June 1 – A Calhoun County judge assigned the case of DeAngelo “Dee” Allen, an Anniston man who was killed last September, to the grand jury.
Keither Snider and his son, Gavin Snider, were both charged with murder in connection with Allen’s death in early May after a thorough investigation by the Anniston Police Department.
Circuit Court Judge Timothy Burgess presided over the preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon where he found enough probable cause to tie the case to a grand jury.
Allen, 31, was last seen near the 1000 block of Old Coldwater Road around September 21 last year. Allen’s family members reported him missing after several days without hearing from him.
The victim’s family attended Thursday’s court proceedings wearing pins in their shirts with pictures of Allen, displaying the words #JusticeForDee.
No testimony was heard at the hearing, as both sides had an opportunity to present evidence at an earlier hearing on Aniah’s Law. Burgess also presided over that hearing and told the court that this testimony was sufficient to find probable cause.
Gavin Snider’s defense attorney, Chase Arnold, replacing Donald Murphy, has filed a motion to dismiss murder charges against both clients. However, Burgess denied this request.
The case was originally assigned to Calhoun County District Court Judge Randy Moeller; however, Moeller recused himself from the case, according to court documents. Moeller has known the victim’s father for a long time, as the two went to high school together.
Due to Alabama’s Aniah Law, which states that violent offenders can be held without bail, Gavin Snider is being held in Calhoun County Jail without bail, while his mother Keither was jailed on $350 bond. $000.
Editor Ashley Morrison: 256-236-1551. On Twitter: @AshMorrison1105.