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Judge calls man ‘monstrous’ before sentencing for teen’s murder

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A judge sentenced William Gholston to 84 years in prison Friday for the murder of 15-year-old Dominique Allen.

Last month, a jury convicted Gholston of killing the 15-year-old.

Marion Superior Judge Marc Rothenberg spoke firmly as he addressed Gholston just before his sentencing. Rothenberg called the 48-year-old a “destroyer,” saying Gholston’s actions were “monstrous.” The sentence included 64 years for murder and a 20-year sentence enhancement.

In March, Gholston was convicted of the murder of 15-year-old Dominique Allen. A passerby spotted Allen’s badly burned body behind a house tied up on August 31, 2014. Investigators determined that Gholston kidnapped Allen, strangled and set her body on fire. Forensic investigators were able to connect to Gholston to the murder investigation through DNA. Gholston’s DNA was discovered on the teen’s shoe and hand.

Since Gholston was an ex-convict, his DNA was already in the system.

“By all accounts, the murder of Dominique Allen was the loss of a bright future for this young woman and an unbearable loss for the family and friends who loved her. We believe the sentence imposed today was appropriate for this heinous crime, and we anticipate that it will serve to keep this individual in prison for the remainder of his life.” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry stated. “I commend the work of our deputy prosecutors and IMPD detectives in the successful prosecution of this case.”

Allen’s family expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision. Allen’s sisters gave victim impact statements as Gholston sat and watched the women talk with no expression.

“He showed no remorse,” said Shenika Poindexter, Allen’s sister.

Despite Gholston refusal to acknowledge the hurting family, one of Allen’s big sisters told Gholston she forgives him as she sat on the stand for her statement.

“Our mother’s spirit must be in our bodies. Our mother always told us never to hate and to always forgive, it’s our mother,” said Mareeka Allen.

The Allen family wanted to ensure Gholston would not be able to hurt anyone again.

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