Family of Skyway man killed during burglary asks judge to keep suspected shooter in jail
https://komonews.com/news/operation-crime-justice/family-of-skyway-man-killed-during-burglary-asks-judge-to-keep-suspected-shooter-in-jail
SEATTLE — The family of the Skyway man who was fatally shot at his home after confronting a suspected burglar spoke publicly Thursday, pleading with a King County judge to not release a career criminal and convicted felon now accused in the violent murder of their father.
Investigators say Kylan Houle, 31, shot Damon Allen, a father of six, at his Skyway home during an attempted burglary on May 23 shortly after 3 a.m. Detectives say the neighborhood had reported several car prowls earlier that day.
A defense lawyer for Houle asked that his bail be reduced or that he be released for inpatient treatment.
Those requests outraged Allen's family.
“Bail should not be granted at all, the option for the monster who took our father’s life is for his time,” said Jamar Hall, Allen’s son, through tears. “Do not let him do this to us. We have been living a nightmare since the day our father was killed, we deserve all the time and protection from the monster that took our father.”
Houle remained Thursday at the King County Jail on a $4 million bond, but during a bail hearing, where Allen’s children made their presence known to the suspect, his defense argued on his behalf, saying the bail amount is unconstitutionally too high.
“The court cannot impose a no-bail hold,” said Ventura Montes, the defense lawyer. “I don’t think there’s any difference between $4 million and (a) no-bail hold in this case.”
“Essentially executing Mr. Allen in this case,” said King County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Castleton. “So, to claim that somehow this is unconstitutional is simply wrong. And, the point of the high bail is to ensure, his appearance and to protect the community.”
>Three months before Allen was gunned down, the Northwest Community Bail Fund paid for Houle’s release from jail where he was being held on two felony gun charges despite his 20 prior felony convictions and history of skipping court 50 times.
The victim’s advocate explained the impact.
"It’s devastating,” said Tiffany Attrill, King County Violent Crime Victim’s Advocate. “They don’t understand why the person is out of jail when they’re danger to the community.”
Given Houle's extensive history and the seriousness of the charges, the judge ruled to keep bail at $4 million.
>in part
'The trial is set for Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m. at the Melang Regional Justice Center in Kent.'
>trial is in 2 weeks and defense wants a known felon who flees out on bail