Bail Reform and Pretrial Justice

Family members of Cleveland victim Benjamin McComas say they warned The Bail Project not to post the $500 bond for Donnie Allen after the nonprofit contacted at least two relatives on Dec. 8–9 and left a voicemail saying a representative had met with Allen and wanted to discuss bailing him out. They say the group dismissed their concerns that Allen — a repeat offender with recent convictions including attempted burglary, assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, obstructing official business, drug possession and prior burglary convictions — would reoffend; Allen allegedly killed McComas days after his release.