Tuffree Retrial Set to Begin on Dec. 9

The retrial of accused murderer Daniel Allan Tuffree is scheduled to begin Dec. 9, and attorneys said Wednesday the case could stretch into early next summer.

Tuffree, 49, is charged with first-degree murder for shooting a Simi Valley police officer to death last year.

Earlier this month, Superior Court Judge Allan L. Steele was forced to declare a mistrial after a jury deadlocked on the murder charge, which carries a possible death sentence.

The jury convicted Tuffree of armed assault and attempted murder for shooting at another officer during a gunfight with police at his home Aug. 4, 1995. The former Chatsworth high school teacher has waived his sentencing on those lesser charges until the murder case is retried.

On Wednesday, Tuffree and attorneys in his case met in Steele’s courtroom to discuss a trial date. Steele had sent the case out of his courtroom for reassignment to another judge after the conclusion of the six-week trial. But the presiding criminal court judge sent the case back to him Tuesday.

Steele was soft-spoken and friendly with attorneys as they discussed the trial schedule. He then announced to the courtroom that he would not be available to preside over the case during several weeks next spring, and Tuffree agreed to accept the irregularity, as it may affect his case.

Jury selection for the second trial is expected to begin Dec. 9, or shortly thereafter, and continue into the new year, attorneys said.