Life Sentence May Be Sought in Cabby Killing

Special-circumstances allegations were filed Monday to allow prosecutors to seek life in prison without parole for the suspect in the murder of a taxi driver.

Brian Keith Milligan, 26, pleaded not guilty and denied the special-circumstances allegations before San Diego Superior Court Judge Jesus Rodriguez.

Milligan is charged with the July 6 murder of David Curtiss Brown, 36, who was shot to death while waiting in his cab in a Logan Heights alley. The special-circumstances allegations charge Milligan with committing the slaying while attempting to rob the victim.

Rodriguez set a trial date for Nov. 25.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Kristin Anton advised the court that her office ruled out the death penalty and will seek a life sentence without parole if Milligan is convicted of first-degree murder.

Milligan was released from prison six days before the homicide. He had been incarcerated for assault with a deadly weapon.

Milligan’s attorney, Victor Eriksen, has said that another parolee was in the area when the slaying took place, and that an anonymous caller gave that person’s name to Crime Stoppers as that of the real killer.

Eriksen also said the victim was trying to purchase cocaine in the alley when he was killed.

A witness at the Aug. 12 preliminary hearing testified that he saw Milligan shoot the driver after ordering him to give him money.

Milligan, who is in County Jail in lieu of $5 million bail, is also charged with possession of cocaine, attempted robbery and possession of a firearm as an ex-felon.