Justice Delayed in Alle Beating Because of Shortage of Jailhouse Buses

David Ganezer

Alle waiting at the Airport Courthouse for the hearing that did not happen because of a sheriff bus shortage

November 14, 2024 - A hearing in the case against the man alleged to have beaten unconscious a prominent Santa Monica businessman was continued yesterday due to the inmate being a "miss-out" on the bus transporting defendants to court for their hearings. A "miss-out" is when a defendant is not on the bus that is supposed to take them to court. This could be because they forgot to show up for the bus, they refused to leave, or because there was insufficient room on the bus for all the inmates needing transportation. The latter appears to be the reason Tyler Jordan Keating never showed up for his hearing.

The hearing in the case of the man who allegedly beat Alle on September 20, 2023, in Palisades Park in Santa Monica was continued to some unspecified date after the new year. According to Alle, who waited until afternoon in case the defendant was able to make the bus, the defendant is required to have his "mental abilities" tested before they are allowed to make another court date.

Alle was knocked unconscious, allegedly by the defendant, as he was walking in Palisades Park by Ocean Avenue at around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon. According to witnesses, the defendant kicked Alle in the head multiple times. Alle remained unconscious for at least 20 minutes and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Since then, Alle has had to endure two jaw surgeries and two life-threatening brain surgeries. Great bodily injury, which includes injuries serious enough to need hospital treatment, is a felony.

However, according to advocates involved in the case, Keating could get diversion from incarceration. Diversion means that the defendant can skip a trial, will not get endure the chance of getting convicted, and therefore can not be forced to pay restitution for the harm they may have caused. Alle says his medical bills top $100,000.

Santa Monica Coalition

Alle is co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, a group of business owners and residents who want a safer Santa Monica that have sponsored a protest sign on the Third Street Promenade for over two years now

Diversion programs allow defendants to walk free with the 'requirement' they must meet a probation officer regularly and possibly attend counseling. There is no enforcement mechanism to ensure such defendants obey the conditions of their release other than issuing a bench warrant for their arrest should they re-offend.

So far, the judge has not made a decision regarding the disposition of the case and will not be able to do so until the next hearing, now months away. Keating remains in custody in the Los Angeles County jail system.