Local

New robbery sentence could keep killer in jail for life

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County killer won't be getting out of prison anytime soon.

Jerome Allen was convicted for the robbery and murder of Stephen Dumont in 1991. On Monday, Allen was re-sentenced on the robbery charge.

"In an instant I became a widow, and a single mother at 24 years old," said Linda Dumont Land.

Land lost her husband, Stephen, more than 22 years ago, during a late night robbery at a Titusville convenience store. Jerome Allen was there.  Prosecutors said Allen urged on the shooter.

Since Allen's conviction, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that minors could not be sentenced to life-without-parole for non-capital crimes.  That is why Allen was back in court, being re-sentenced.

"He had command of this crime. He orchestrated this crime," said prosecutor  Bill Respess Monday.

Back in 1991, at the age of 16, Allen received two consecutive life sentences. So, if he were ever granted parole for the slaying, he would still have to serve out his robbery sentence. 

"I was left to pick up the pieces and go on.  Every time this is brought up I have lived it  over and over," said Land.

But, Allen's attorney tried to preserve the possibility that his client might still be eligible for parole at the end of 25 years,  on his murder conviction.

"The quote goes, 'Beware of those who confuse justice with vengeance,'" said defense attorney Dan Ciener.

Monday, Allen received a 45-year sentence for robbery, to be served consecutively with his murder conviction.

Shirley White, Allen's mother, hasn't given up hope she'll live to see her son released from prison.

"I'm going to fight with every breath I got until I see my son come home," said White.

Allen's attorney said he would appeal the new sentence.