Ohio Man Allegedly Commits Murder Days After Bail Paid by Nonprofit
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Just five days after being released from jail on bail paid by a nonprofit organization, Donnie Allen, a repeat offender, was arrested and charged with the aggravated murder of 27-year-old Benjamin McComas. The incident occurred on the evening of December 14 at a Cleveland light rail station, according to official court records and law enforcement sources.
Allen’s bail was posted by The Bail Project, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing inequities in the pretrial system by helping individuals who cannot afford bail. Court documents reveal that Allen was initially charged with drug possession, breaking and entering, vandalism, obstructing official business, and possessing criminal tools in connection with an incident at the same Cleveland light rail station on December 4. His bond was set at $15,000 but was later reduced to $5,000 by Judge Joy Kennedy. The Bail Project paid $500 on December 9 to secure his release from Cuyahoga County Jail.
Despite Allen’s extensive criminal history, which includes multiple burglary convictions and charges dating back to 2019, the nonprofit proceeded with the bail payment. Allen’s prior offenses include two counts of attempted burglary, assault on a peace officer, obstructing official business, resisting arrest, and drug possession in 2024; burglary charges in 2022 and 2021; and multiple counts of burglary and criminal damaging in 2019.
Following the December 14 shooting, Allen was arraigned on a $1 million bond. His attorney, James Jenkins, told reporters that the alleged murder was “far from” an intentional homicide, though prosecutors have charged Allen with aggravated murder.
The Bail Project issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing concern over the case. “Our mission at The Bail Project is to ensure that people are not jailed pretrial solely because they cannot afford bail,” the organization said. “We remain committed to building a fairer, more just pretrial system that respects due process, promotes safety, and avoids a misguided reliance on cash bail.” The nonprofit did not respond to inquiries about whether Allen’s prior arrests and convictions were considered before posting bail.
This case has reignited debate over the cash bail system and the role of organizations like The Bail Project in funding releases for individuals with extensive criminal records. Critics argue that such practices can put public safety at risk, while advocates emphasize the need for reform to prevent wealth-based disparities in pretrial incarceration.
For more information on bail reform and related policies, visit the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Office of Justice Programs. The Cuyahoga County Courts provide public access to court records and case information. The Bail Project’s mission and guidelines are detailed on their official website, bailproject.org.
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