A Columbus man has been hauled into custody in connection with a Warren County killing that dates back nearly 40 years, breathing new life into a long-running Tri-State cold case. Randy McAllister, 62, is charged in the 1985 death of John Warren, who prosecutors say was killed on Oct. 17, 1985, during an attempted robbery. Investigators have not publicly explained what trail of evidence led them to McAllister after all this time.
According to WKRC, the indictment names McAllister and states that Warren was killed in Warren County on Oct. 17, 1985. Court records cited by the outlet say the killing happened in the course of a robbery. WKRC also reports that McAllister is listed as a Columbus resident and is 62 years old.
WLWT reports that a Warren County grand jury indicted McAllister last week, and he was arrested Wednesday after a warrant was issued. The station says he is expected to appear in a Warren County courtroom next week.
Indictment Outlines Robbery Allegation
The indictment accuses McAllister of killing John Warren during an attempted robbery, laying out the basic allegation but offering little in the way of narrative detail. Beyond the language of the charging document, investigators have not said what new or old leads pointed them to McAllister, according to WKRC.
Officials And Records
The Warren County Prosecutor's Office keeps a public press page that includes its mailing address and other contact information, per the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. The Warren County Sheriff's Office similarly posts jail details and contact information online, including its Lebanon address and phone number, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Office.
What Happens Next
WLWT reports that McAllister is expected to be in Warren County court in the coming days as the case moves into arraignment and early pretrial hearings. At this stage, he remains presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
An indictment is a formal accusation, not a finding of guilt, and the coming court proceedings, including any trial that may follow, will determine the outcome. Hoodline will continue to track court filings and the Warren County docket for developments in the case.
