Life Sentence for Man Who Burned Boy After Sex Assault

**Conroe, TX –** A Montgomery County jury handed down a life sentence without parole last Thursday, October 26, 2017, to John David Allen, convicting him of capital murder for the horrific death of his 4-year-old stepson, Wyatt Allen. The unanimous decision, reached after less than 30 minutes of deliberation in the 9th state District Court in Conroe, presided over by Judge Phil Grant, ensures Allen will spend the rest of his life incarcerated for the brutal crime.

Allen, who was 29 at the time of his conviction, was found guilty of dousing young Wyatt with gasoline and setting him on fire at the family home on Morgan Cemetery Road in New Caney on March 17, 2017. Prosecutors Lisa Stewart and Kelly Blackburn with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office argued that Allen committed the heinous act to cover up the sexual assault of the child.

The young victim suffered third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body. He was initially airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston before being transferred to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on March 20, 2017. John David Allen was arrested later that same day following a rapid investigation by authorities.

“This was an unimaginable crime, a senseless act of violence against an innocent child,” stated Prosecutor Lisa Stewart after the verdict. “We are grateful to the jury for delivering swift justice for Wyatt. Their quick decision reflects the overwhelming evidence presented in court.”

The trial, which began on October 23, 2017, saw the defense attempt to claim the fire was an accidental incident involving a barbecue pit. However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence to counter this, including emotional testimony from forensic experts and law enforcement officials, which painted a clear picture of intentional murder following sexual abuse. Investigators from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Precinct 4 Constable’s Office led the exhaustive investigation into the case.

During the proceedings, it was also noted that Allen had a prior criminal history, having been convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Montgomery County in 2010.

The life sentence without parole means John David Allen will never be eligible for release, a resolution sought by the prosecution and supported by the victim’s family, ensuring accountability for a crime that shocked the community.