Murder charges filed against inmate accused of killing prison guard

Salt Lake District Attorney Lohra Miller said today that Curtis Michael Allgier, accused of fatally shooting prison guard Stephen Anderson, 60, has been charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated murder.

Miller said she will seek the death penalty for Allgier.

Allgier, 27, also is charged with three counts of attempted aggravated murder, disarming a peace officer, aggravated escape, aggravated robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

Miller said Allgier's friend Trish Tower has been charged with one first-degree felony count of obstruction of justice in connection with Allgier's alleged crimes. During his escape, Allgier went to Tower's house and changed his clothes. Tower has been arrested and is in the Salt Lake County Jail.

Police say Allgier on Monday escaped from Anderson and killed him during a hospital visit in which Allgier was to undergo an MRI for back pain. Allgier carjacked a vehicle near the hospital, led police on a wild chase and ended up at an Arby's restaurant, where he was disarmed by a 59-year-old Army veteran. Allgier was ultimately found hiding in a back room in the building, according to police.

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