Suspect’s Plea in Officer’s Death Postponed

A judge Tuesday delayed the arraignment of Daniel Allen Tuffree and ordered the Simi Valley Police Department to give his defense attorneys all internal documents related to the shooting death of Officer Michael Frederick Clark.

Investigators have said little about their internal investigation and Tuffree’s attorneys said they have seen scant evidence to help prepare his defense on charges of capital murder, attempted murder and assault in the officer’s death.

Tuffree, who taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District since 1986 and was assigned to teach at Van Nuys High School in September, is now scheduled to enter a plea Sept. 7.

During Tuffree’s brief appearance in Ventura, Municipal Judge John E. Dobroth also agreed to let the high school teacher take anti-anxiety drugs while he awaits trial. Tuffree, 48, was prescribed Valium before the shooting, and Dobroth said he can continue taking that drug or a similar drug while he is held without bail in the Ventura County Jail.

The murder charge makes Tuffree eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors said they have yet to decide if they will seek Tuffree’s execution.

Clark’s widow and father attended the hearing Tuesday. Frederick Clark said he has moved from his Colorado home into his sister’s house in Simi Valley “for good.” He and Clark’s widow declined further comment.

Three police officers were called to Tuffree’s home on Aztec Court Aug. 4 after he called his insurance company and threatened to kill himself, investigators said.

During his appearance Tuesday, Tuffree hid from the crush of cameras in the gallery by poking only his head through the courtroom door while standing in an adjacent holding cell.