Roderick McAllister, Derez Austell Charged with Murder in Connection with Tuesday's Home Invasion

By Paul Friswold Thu., Jul. 12 2012 at 9:02 AM

Categories: Violent Crime

6200 block of Famous Avenue, where the crimes were committed.

Roderick L. McAllister, 20, and Derez Austell, 19, the two men apprehended in a drainage culvert on Manchester Avenue after Tuesday's home invasion in Dogtown, have been charged with second-degree murder and a host of related charges. Because their alleged compatriot, Brandon Jones, was shot and killed by police while the group was purportedly committing an armed robbery, the McAllister and Austell can be found legally culpable for Jones death.

According to the probable cause statements, McAllister had the homeowner's cell phone in his pocket when police caught him hiding in the bushes. Austell had "numerous coins" that were taken from the victim's home.

In addition to the murder charge, McAllister faces four charges of armed criminal action, one count of first-degree robbery, one count of first degree burglary and second-degree assault. Austell's further charges include three counts of armed criminal action, one count of first-degree robbery and one count of first-burglary.

Police continue to seek two accomplices who were at the scene in a blue Ford Explorer. The passenger in that vehicle allegedly flashed a gun at the responding police officers.