PHOENIX, AZ (January 23, 2012) - The Maricopa County Attorney will seek the death penalty against John “Bud” Allen (D.O.B. 7/19/88) and Samantha Allen (D.O.B. 6/14/88), both of whom are accused of murdering 10 year-old Ame Deal by locking her inside a plastic storage box in July, 2011. Both defendants have pled not guilty to First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Child Abuse and multiple counts of Child Abuse.

In its notice of intent to seek the death penalty, the State identifies three aggravating factors against John and Samantha Allen pursuant to A.R.S. §13-751(F), namely, the additional serious offenses both are accused of, if proven; the especially cruel, heinous or depraved manner of the murder; and the young age of the victim.

The decision to seek the death penalty is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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