On August 9, 1994, Alicia Allen, a pregnant woman from Gardena, California, was tragically murdered. The incident occurred at her home on West Marine Avenue, where she was found lying facedown on her bed with her hands tied behind her back. Alicia had been shot twice in the head, and both she and her 17-week-old fetus were pronounced dead at the scene. The crime scene indicated a violent struggle, with evidence of a robbery, as keys were scattered on the floor and a key box was open.
The investigation quickly led to Maurice Lydell Harris, who was later found guilty of the murders of Alicia Allen and her fetus. Harris was also convicted of the attempted murder of Bernard Canto, Alicia's fiancé, who was shot earlier that evening near his van parked in front of Harris's apartment complex. The police found significant evidence linking Harris to the crimes, including blood and shell casings near Canto's van, and a bloody shirt and shorts containing Canto's belongings.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a strong case against Harris, highlighting the special circumstances of felony-murder robbery and burglary, as well as multiple murders. The jury found Harris guilty on all counts, including robbery and burglary, and determined that he had personally used a firearm in the commission of the crimes. The jury also found that Harris inflicted great bodily injury during the attempted murder of Canto.
As a result of the trial, Harris was sentenced to death for the murder of Alicia Allen and life without the possibility of parole for the murder of her fetus. The California Supreme Court later upheld the death sentence, despite some concerns about the trial judge's manner of questioning the defendant. The court concluded that any potential improprieties were not prejudicial and affirmed the judgment.
This case remains a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of Alicia Allen and her unborn child, and the subsequent legal proceedings that sought to bring justice for their deaths.
