Resentencing could mean release from prison for convicted killer

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A convicted killer will have to wait a couple more months to see if he's a step closer to walking out of prison.

On Friday a Brevard County judge delayed the resentencing of Jerome Allen, who was convicted for the 1990 robbery and murder of Titusville store clerk Stephen Dumont.

Allen's murder conviction stands, but without another consecutive sentence for robbery he could be eligible for parole in two to three years.

Resentencing was delayed Friday when Allen's attorneys told Judge David Dugan they have not been allowed to see their client's file.

Allen is only being resentenced on his robbery conviction. He was sixteen when he received two life sentences for robbery and murder.

Because the sentences were consecutive, if he were ever granted parole for murder, he would still have to serve out his robbery sentence.  But the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that juveniles can be sentenced to life without parole for non-capital offenses.

"By court order, you are going to be allowed access to the court file," Dugan told Allen's attorneys.

Dugan also said there would be no more delays without warning. The case has forced both the Dumont and Allen families back in the courtroom after 22 years.

Dumont's family didn't want to speak today to WFTV Friday, but Allen's mother did.

"It's been very difficult, but I travel everywhere they take him," said Shirley Allen.

Allen could be eligible for consideration for parole on the murder charge within the next two years.

WFTV