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Local - Crime & Courts

Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2009

Allen arguments end; rulings soon

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Attorneys wrapped up arguments Tuesday over a motion to throw out evidence against Columbus Allen Jr. II.

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Hurl Johnson must decide whether police searches of Allen's house, computer and cell phone records were valid and whether that evidence can be presented at Allen's trial.

Allen, 33, is accused of killing California Highway Patrol officer Earl Scott on Feb. 17, 2006. Johnson also will hold a hearing Oct. 7 to determine where Allen's trial, scheduled to begin in January, will take place.

The judge ruled last month that extensive media coverage of Allen's case meant he couldn't get a fair trial in front of a Stanislaus County jury.

It's the first case to receive a change of venue since the Scott Peterson case in 2004.