Opinion ID: 2770232
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Allen's trial

Text: Allen was charged with four counts of aggravated first degree murder. The State initially alleged multiple aggravating circumstances but eventually settled on the aggravator under RCW 9.94A.535(3)(v). That aggravator allowed the trial court to sentence Allen above the standard range if the jury found that (1) the victims were police officers who were performing their official duties at the time of the offense, (2) Allen knew the victims were police officers, and (3) the victims' status as police officers were not elements of the offense. RCW 9.94A.535(3)(v). 3 State v Allen, No. 89917-7 During trial, several spectators wore T -shirts that said, 'You will not be forgotten, Lakewood Police,' followed by the names of the four murdered officers. 24 Verbatim Report of Proceedings (VRP) at 3024. Allen objected to these T-shirts and asked that the shirts be covered. The trial court denied Allen's motion, stating that [j]ustice is what this trial is all about. Sometimes [there are] competing principles. Free speech is one, public trials is another. I'm going to deny your motion. !d. at 3027. The next day, spectators again arrived with the same T-shirts and Allen renewed his objection that the court bar the individuals from wearing the T -shirts in the courtroom. The trial court denied the motion, stating that it was a matter of free speech. 25 VRP at 3157.