Robert Allen, one of the defendants charged in relation to musician XXXTentacion's 2018 murder, was sentenced to seven years in prison today. He's already served five years, meaning he'll only serve an additional two years. Allen was also sentenced to 20 years of probation after his release. In April, the other three defendants were sentenced by the same judge, each receiving two life sentences. Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome were all found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon the previous month. Claiming that the court had made several mistakes throughout the trial, Newsome also went on to seek a new trial in April. Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery in August of 2022. He also agreed to a deal to testify against his co-defendants, lightening his own sentence.
Broward Circuit Judge Michael A. Usan said in court, “No sentencing is easy, and this one is hard." He also told Allen, “I genuinely believe you are sorry for what you have done and not sorry for yourself.” XXXTentacion's family attended the trial. The late artist's aunt, Deandra Ellis, spoke on behalf of their family at the hearing. She claimed that the family is happy with the outcome of the trial. “I say we are content as far as what the judge threw out for the sentencing,” she shared. “We still have a long road ahead of us. It’s still a day by day process for us. Everyday is just another day that he’s missing.”
Allen Is Sentenced To Seven Years
Prior to Allen's sentencing, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives and a Multi-Agency Gang Task Force member were also called to the stand by the prosecutor, Pascale Achille. They testified that Allen would be in danger based on his decision to testify against his co-defendants. Boatwright, Williams, and Allen were all affiliated with South Florida's ZMF gang.
After Allen's three co-defendants were sentenced, the mother of XXXTentacion's child, Jenesis Sanchez, took to Instagram to share a message. “After 5 long years you may finally Rest In Peace,” she wrote. She continued, “Gekyume will never get to meet you earthside but it is my job as a mother to ensure I share those special memories with him." Sanchez went on, saying, "Jah was robbed of his life and Geky was robbed of his father." She also shares, "For this, I will never truly have complete peace but justice being served today helps the healing process." Sanchez concludes with, "Thank you for the love and support. I am eternally grateful for all of the supporters, your positivity, and prayers have carried these last 5 years.”
