AKRON, Ohio — A 36-year-old Canton man is now facing the death penalty for his role in the deaths of an Akron man and his 2-year-old daughter.
Shawn Allen appeared in Summit County Court Tuesday and received the news that a grand jury had added death penalty specifications to his indictment.
Horace Lee, 43, was walking on Crouse Street in Akron with his daughter in a stroller on July 12 just after 1 a.m. when they were both fatally struck by a car, police report.
Investigators later determined that Allen targeted the victim and his daughter after an altercation outside of a nearby bar.
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“This was an awful tragedy. Mr. Lee and his 2-year-old daughter were targeted and purposefully run over and left to die. My office will fight for Horace, his little girl, and their family,” said Prosecutor Walsh. “The death of a child is one of the worst forms of criminal conduct in our society. After a thorough examination of this case, seeking the death penalty is appropriate.”
In August, Allen was indicted on the following charges:
- 3 Counts of Aggravated Murder
- One Count of Murder
- Failure to Stop After an Accident
- Tampering With Evidence
- 2 Counts of Gross Abuse of A Corpse
Allen's next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, December 14.
