Mistrial declared in Anniston murder trial

Terrence Lamot Allen

Calhoun County Circuit Judge Bud Turner declared a mistrial Friday morning in the case of an Anniston man charged with stabbing a co-worker to death in 2010, because a juror studied outside the courtroom.  38-year-old Terrence Lamont Allen is accused of stabbing 39 year old Dimir Ranz Burton, in the head after a Sept. 14, 2010, altercation at the Car Exchange on Quintard Avenue, where both men worked.  Allen claims he acted in self-defense while prosecutors say the Allen had the opportunity to walk away from the incident.  The jury had deliberated for more than eight hours stretched across three days. Turner said neither the prosecution nor the defense moved to declare a mistrial. The judge said he made the decision because he discovered one of the jurors did independent study outside the courtroom  which Turner instructed the jury not to do.  Several jurors outside the courtroom afterward said the independent study concerned the legal criteria for self defense and manslaughter. At the jury’s request, Turner on Thursday reiterated what constitutes the two terms.  Both the prosecution and Allen’s defense attorney, David Johnston, agreed with Turner’s decision.  Allen will remain free on bond until the case is tried again.