Ex-Teacher’s Murder Trial Is Postponed
The capital murder trial of a former high school teacher accused of killing a Simi Valley police officer has been postponed until March 22. It was scheduled to start Monday.
Daniel Allen Tuffree objected to the postponement, but his attorneys said they needed more time to prepare for the case.
A judge agreed, and ruled that Tuffree’s right to a speedy trial was outweighed by his right to be represented by competent counsel.
Since his arrest in August, Tuffree has resisted every delay in his trial.
Tuffree is accused of killing 28-year-old Simi Valley Police Officer Michael Clark in August.
Clark and two colleagues were called to Tuffree’s home after mental health workers said Tuffree was being abusive because they declined to fill his Valium prescription. A gunfight ensued and Clark was mortally wounded.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, while Tuffree maintains he was firing in self-defense.
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