Allen to serve life in prison for murder of North Platte man
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - A North Platte family gets justice nearly two years after the death of their son.
Lincoln County District Judge Richard Birch sentenced Keith Allen to life in prison on Monday for the shooting death of Brett Torres, 25, on May 22, 2020.
Allen, 45, will also serve an additional 20 to 30 years for the use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, which Judge Birch ordered to be served consecutively in addition to the life sentence.
A twelve person jury panel found Allen guilty of first-degree murder on Oct. 13, 2021.
Prior to sentencing, attorney Todd Lancaster told Judge Birch he disagreed with the jury’s verdict and asked for a minimum sentence stating he believed Allen acted in self-defense after he was chased and yelled at by Torres.
“He never intended to hurt anyone,” Lancaster said. “If he could have done anything to prevent it, he would’ve. But he felt he was in a position where he couldn’t and had no choice but to protect himself.”
Lancaster described Allen as a kind, caring, loving and compassionate person with a “heart of gold” who was loyal to his family and friends. He also said his client was always concerned for the less fortunate and his downfall was caring too much.
“The fact that he cared too much is perhaps the reason he was found in this situation,” said Lancaster. “He was trying to help Amanda Beall.”
Allen also addressed the court and said he was heartfully sorry for the situation that he and Torres were put in. He said Torres was under a lot of pressure and believed he needed help.
“He was crying out for help,” Allen said.
Allen also stated he believed the system and law enforcement failed them both. Allen claimed he filed a police report about Torres’s threats, but nothing was done about it.
“Had he been given the chance to rehabilitate himself, we could’ve possibly ended up as friends.” he said. “I wish to God this never would’ve happened.”
Judge Birch expressed sympathy towards the Torres family for their loss before giving Allen his sentence.
“A lot of us here wish this would’ve never had happened, but a large part of the reason why we’re here is for what you did,” Birch said.
The sentencing was originally scheduled for Jan. 31, but was delayed due to the probability of misconduct within the jury during the trial.
Lancaster said one of the jurors “felt pressured to find Allen guilty.”
A hearing was held Monday morning before the sentencing, but the defense didn’t find enough evidence to take it into account.
Lancaster said he plans to file an appeal for a new trial.
