Judge seat and gavel in court room
Judge Seat And Gavel In Court Room

Utah Judge Dismisses Charges in Self-Defense Shooting Cas

January 7, 2024

A 3rd District Judge in Utah, Mark Kouris, dismissed murder and related charges against Lashawn Denise Bagley, 23, in the shooting death of her boyfriend, Demetrius Omar Lateef Allen, 27, a professional bull rider. The judge ruled that Bagley was justified in using her firearm.

The incident occurred just after midnight on September 12, 2022. Bagley called 911, and when Salt Lake City police arrived, they found Allen outside the apartment with at least one gunshot wound. Despite receiving emergency medical care, Allen later died at a hospital.

Investigating officers noted multiple bullet holes originating from an apartment and subsequently took Bagley into custody. However, following the court’s review of the case, it was determined that Bagley acted in self-defense, leading to the dismissal of the charges against her. This decision comes as a significant development in a case that initially led to Bagley’s arrest.

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