Benjamin McComas, 27
Cleveland resident commuting through the RTA transit station.
- Original chargeFelonious assault, weapons under disabilityDecember 1, 2025
- Released$5,000 bond (lowered from $15,000)December 8, 2025
- 6 days laterMurderDecember 14, 2025
What happened
Allen allegedly shot McComas at a Cleveland RTA light rail station six days after his release. Allen had been bonded out via funds provided by The Bail Project, a national nonprofit, despite explicit warnings from his own family.
The release decision
On December 1, 2025, Donnie Allen was charged with felonious assault, weapons under disability. Municipal Court Judge Joy Kennedy ordered the release on December 8, 2025. Terms: $5,000 bond (lowered from $15,000). Prosecutors had asked for bond increase to $25,000 citing prior record. The defendant had 9 prior arrests at the time.
The defendant's record
Multiple felony convictions. Active probation at time of release. Family members publicly warned The Bail Project not to post his bond.