3rd Strike Dropped for Man Accused of Killing O.C. Officer
- Share via
WESTMINSTER — Prosecutors said Friday that they plan to drop a third-strike allegation against a felon accused of killing Garden Grove Police Officer Howard E. Dallies Jr.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Rick King said prosecutors made a mistake in filing the third-strike allegation against John J.C. Stephens, 26, and would drop the charge at a hearing in October.
The dropping of the third-strike allegation has little consequence in this case because Stephens faces a minimum of life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Dallies was gunned down in 1993, the year before voters approved the three-strikes proposition that sends repeat felons to prison for 25-years-to-life.
Stephens has two convictions for assault with a firearm, which were committed in 1993 and 1994, according to court records.
Stephens is charged with the murder of Dallies during a traffic stop.
Also Friday, Stephens’ arraignment was postponed to Oct. 3.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
