William Allen Makes Case For Freedom From Murder Conviction; Hopes To Be 'A Beacon Of Light'
BOSTON (CBS) -- A Brockton man made his case for freedom on Wednesday to the group that could decide his future. The Governor's Council heard testimony from William Allen as they decide whether to commute his life sentence for first-degree murder.
Allen has served 27 years in prison for his role in a 1994 robbery in which his co-defendant stabbed the victim to death. The man who actually stabbed the victim took a plea deal and was released more than a decade ago.
"I would do everything in my power to not only be a role model and mentor to my son, but a beacon of light to all of those who have also seen a small glimmer of hope, but are trapped beyond those walls," Allen said.
Among Allen's supporters are the district attorney and New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who has championed his case for release.
"All I kept hearing him say was how wanted to help others," McCourty testified. "He said no matter what, whether I get out or I don't get out, nothing will change with my vision on how I'm going to help other people."
"He's been incarcerated for nearly 28 years with a near-perfect record. Under very, very challenging circumstances he has flourished," Allen's lawyer Kristine McDonald said.
One member of the Governor's Council, Robert Jubinville, represented Allen at his trial in the 90s.
"I thought it was an injustice then and it's an injustice all the 27 years you've been in jail," Jubinville said. "But you're here now and you're going to get this commutation because I think everyone's going to vote for you for what you've done in there."
If the council votes to commute his sentence, Allen would immediately become eligible for parole.
Allen also testified that he was "truly sorry for what I have done" and said his past actions were "reckless and irresponsible." He said he would continue to work on restorative justice programs, regardless of his parole outcome.
"Hope isn't just in my heart, it's on my back and shoulders," he said. "I promise I will make you proud by doing good and being good."
Gov. Charlie Baker commuted Allen's sentence in January. The Governor's Council will vote on the commutation on Feb. 16, and Allen could be released by the summer.
