Murder in Midtown

Ventura – A midtown resident, Cornell Arthur Allen is being detained at the Ventura County Main Jail awaiting indictment on suspicion of “Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Murder,”  the felony offense also known as California Penal Code violation 187(a).

Cornell Arthur Allen

While the investigation is still ongoing and details are slowly emerging, a murder scenario unraveled in the early morning hours of June 6th in a midtown apartment where two men were living.

It culminated in the receipt of a phone call by the Ventura PD Command Center at approximately 5:32 am regarding a gunshot victim at the 300 block of Hurst Street. When patrol officers responded to the scene of the midtown residence, they discovered Stefan Delondon Johnson with multiple gunshot wounds.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbor Javier Salazar, who heard 4 or 5 gunshots ring out that morning, is quoted by the Ventura County Star as saying, “I could see someone standing in the door of the apartment talking on the phone asking for help.” Just a few hours after the murder occurred, the Ventura PD issued a press release identifying Cornell Allen as armed and dangerous, and as the primary suspect in the midtown murder.

With the assistance of an attorney approximately 9 hours after the shooting occurred, Allen made contact with the VPD and arranged to turn himself in at the Ventura County Government Center. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Ventura Police Department where he was questioned by investigators and then booked at the Ventura County Main Jail on suspicion of felony murder.

Allen’s arraignment was originally scheduled for Monday, June 10th but has since been continued to July 10th. At this time, he may plead his innocence or guilt to any formal charges filed by the District Attorney. As Allen awaits his formal arraignment at the Ventura County Main Jail, he is currently eligible for release with bail set at $750,000.

Read More:

City of Ventura: Suspect in Custody

VCStar: Suspect in Ventura Homicide Arrested