By TopTrendReportTv

April 30, 2024

Brian Alexis Nolin Melott appeared in front of Belmont County Eastern Division Judge David Trouten for a bond hearing on Monday, as per county Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan. Melott's bond was set at $1 million, and he remained in the county jail Monday evening.

Melott, 21, faces charges related to the shooting death of 19-year-old David Allen, also from Bellaire. The shooting took place at the Francis Wallace Apartments on 41st Street in Bellaire. The Bellaire Police Department made the arrest and is continuing the investigation.

Flanagan mentioned that the case is now under review by his office. While he expects to make a charging decision soon, he noted there are "other individuals we need to talk with" in connection with the case.

An autopsy on Allen is scheduled for today. Flanagan added that this medical examination will provide vital information that will guide the decision on the appropriate charges.

Once his office finalizes the criminal charges against Melott, the case will be sent to a Belmont County grand jury, which will decide whether to indict Melott. Melott has not yet entered a plea in the case, and his next court appearance is set for Thursday. This hearing will either be an initial appearance or a preliminary hearing. A public defender has been assigned to represent Melott.

Bellaire Police Chief John J. Watson released a statement regarding the incident, indicating that officers responded to a "shots fired" report on 41st Street around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. When they arrived, they found both Melott and Allen. Allen had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and later died, despite receiving emergency medical attention.

Jessica Purcell is organizing a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist Allen's family with his final expenses. As of Monday evening, the campaign had raised $2,200 of its $7,000 goal. The fundraiser can be found at [this link](https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-honor-david-allens-memory).