Walden rules on motions in upcoming murder case

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Motions in the upcoming murder trial of Heather Renea Allen, and her husband, Brian Neil Allen were heard in criminal court on Monday. The couple is charged with first degree murder after they allegedly failed to seek medical attention for their intellectually disabled son, Tanner, in 2023. CLICK HERE for previous coverage.

Heather Allen is represented by T. Scott Jones. Brian Allen is represented by Rob White. White has not filed all of the same motions in the husband’s case.

In June, attorneys in the case filed multiple motions ranging from sequestering the jury to the mention of prior abuse or neglect.

Motion to preclude medical records that refer to previous abuse or neglect

Jones asked the court to prohibit any testimony that referred to any prior abuse or neglect of the victim. Allowing testimony or evidence that mentions any previous neglect or abuse “would confuse the jury” about the current charges, Jones said in the motion.

Assistant District Attorney General Andi Bridges said medical records from California would be introduced but not for that reason.

The records explain the “last known treatment for Tanner prior” to the fall that triggered other health issues. The California physician was the last medical professional to see the 19-year-old “alive and moving.” Tanner’s health records would be used to establish his medical history, Bridges said. This answer satisfied defense attorneys.

Motion to send questionnaires to all prospective jurors

Scott asked the court to allow him to send questionnaires to “all prospective jurors who are on the present or prospective jury panels.” Allowing the defendant to send these out will expedite the jury selection process.

Eighth Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Zach Walden said he was not going to “rule on an abstract questionnaire.” When a new jury pool is seated on Sept. 9 a questionnaire can be distributed and returned that day, if the defense can file a draft with the court by Friday, Walden said.

Motion to sequester the jury

Jones requested the jury be sequestered for the duration of the trial. The charges Allen faces “are so inflammatory” it is likely “prejudicial information will be broadcast or published in the media,” he said in that motion.

How does that stop a juror from seeing any media coverage, Walden asked before denying the motion.

Motion to exclude still photographers, TV cameras and microphones in the courtroom

Jones wants these items barred from the courtroom. Alleging “prejudicial media publicity” has already occurred in this case allowing media coverage to continue “would infringe defendant’s fundamental right to a fair trial,” the motion said.

This would be addressed if a request was filed, Walden said.

The Allens remain free on a $100,000 bond for each.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 9/2/2026-6AM)