People v. Allen and Johnson

Opinion

CORRIGAN, J.

A jury convicted codefendants Michael Allen and Cleamon Johnson of the first degree murders of Peyton Beroit and Donald Loggins, with multiple-murder special-circumstance findings as to both. After Allen waived his right to a jury trial, the court found that he had previously been convicted of first degree murder. The jury returned verdicts of death for both defendants.

During guilt phase deliberations, two jurors reported their concern that another juror had made up his mind before the case was submitted to the jury. After speaking with all panel members, the court…