Phoenix police have arrested couple John and Samantha Allen on first degree murder charges after 10-year-old Ame Deal suffocated in a plastic footlocker, reports The Arizona Republic. According to authorities, she was allegedly placed there because she took a popsicle out of the freezer without permission, following a pattern of tortured abuse over the years.
Police are calling the case an unspeakable tragedy. "This child died at the hands of those who were supposed to love and care for her ... this case has turned the stomachs of some of our most seasoned detectives," Phoenix police spokesperson Sergeant Trent Crump said at a press briefing.
Typically, first degree murder represents the worst form of homicide crime and generally includes murders committed by people who willfully take a life after having the opportunity to consider their actions. Under Arizona law, first degree murder is punishable by death or life imprisonment.
The 4-feet, 2-inch girl was placed in a padlocked box measuring 3 feet long, 14 inches wide and a foot deep. Although the Allens had originally stated Ame had accidentally suffocated while playing hide-and-seek, investigators later concluded, based on remarks by relatives and neighbors, that she had been purposefully placed there as punishment, according to The Republic.
Phoenix authorities have stated the horrific act was one in a string of abuse inflicted on the girl by John and Samantha Allen and the other adults in the household. Prior to being placed in the box, the 10-year-old was allegedly forced to perform exercises in the Arizona heat. Police also allege that Ame was previously forced to eat dog feces after she failed to pick up after a pet.
John and Samantha Allen are expected to face first degree murder charges. Two other women, Cynthia Stoltzmann and Judith Deal, also face kidnapping and child abuse charges as Ame's guardians. Although it was too late to protect Ame from the tragic abuse, at least a dozen other children who lived in the same residence were placed with Child Protective Services.
Related Resources:
- Find a Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- 10 Year-Old Girl's Death Now Determined to be a Homicide (City of Phoenix)
- First Degree Murder (FindLaw)
- How to Report Child Abuse in Arizona (The Phoenix Family Law News Blog)
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