Jaden Archer went to the Bi-Lo parking lot on Highway 58 in December 2013, planning to buy four Microsoft tablets.
Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 10/12/15. Galen Allen Jr. appears before Judge Barry Steelman on Monday, October 12, 2015 for charges of attempted first-degree murder. Instead, records show, Archer fatally shot 17-year-old Calvin Ward and wounded his accomplice, Galen Allen, after the duo tried to rob him.
Now, 28-year-old Allen faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence. Archer faces no charges because the shootings were in self-defense.
On Monday, Allen appeared in Hamilton County Criminal Court before Judge Barry Steelman, who moved his next hearing to Dec. 8.
"We appear to be at an impasse as far as a settlement goes," Blake Murchison, Allen's attorney, said to the judge.
Murchison then asked Steelman for a continuance of trial, saying there are several witnesses who may have "what appears to be exculpatory information," meaning evidence that could help Allen.
Chattanooga police say they found Ward dead in a white Kia parked in the grocery store parking lot at 4510 Highway 58, a pair of gunshot wounds to his back. In the passenger side of the car was a handgun.
During the purchase, Archer told police, Ward tried to rob him. In self-defense, Archer fired his .40-caliber Glock, killing the teenager.
Archer also shot Allen when the 28-year-old attempted to pull him from a vehicle. Witnesses told police a gray van sped away from the scene. Then, later that night, Allen arrived at Erlanger hospital with a gunshot wound.
On Monday, Allen was shackled and dressed in red. He asked for phone access so he could tell family members about the next trial date. Soon after, he was led back to the Hamilton County Jail, where he is being held on a $475,000 bond.
Contact staff writer Zack Peterson at zpeterson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347. Follow @zackpeterson918.