Allen's mom on the verdict

My family and everyone involved in the case agaianst my son’s murderer are in complete shock over this verdict. The prosecution team worked tirelessly on this case for years away from their families. We firmly believe they proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt and we will forever be grateful for their dedication to justice in Lou’s honor. Our heart remains with all soldiers at war and their families, as the outcome in this case puts them in danger from a far worse enemy, the military justice system. I feel that, from the start, everything was against us. Judge Parrish, the first judge let the case drag on by granting the defense every delay they asked for, including a motion hearing they wanted and then they were not prepared for it. When he got tired of it all they appointed another judge. Judge Henley, the second judge, was so afraid of having a guilty decision overturned that he: 1.) Separated a list of misconduct related to the case in an unprecedented separation of the charges. 2.) He allowed the defense to question the panel members with a scenario that could only result in the disqualification of a potential panel member who didn’t suit their purpose. Major Cipriano would not stop badgering until he got the answer he wanted. Judge Henley did not stop him until it was too late. 3.) He refused a preremptory challenge made by the prosecution (another unprecedented move) against a panel member who stated that he did not trust the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) because he said that they lie. That same panel member was not removed by challenge for cause also. 4.) He allowed a husband and wife who both declared they would not vote for the death penalty to serve (another unusual occurrence on a panel). 5.) He would not allow testimony as to the violence of martinez after allowing his “friends” to say he was never violent. I am not saying all of this because of the not-guilty verdict. Some time ago I asked my husband “How could he be alowed to get away with this? Doesn’t a judge have to answer to anybody?” I believe Judge Henley was instrumental in sabotaging our case and he knows it too because he ran out of the courtroom without a backward glance. I am able to speak out now because I have nothing more to lose. The panel murdered my son all over again. My family has spiraled down to the beginning of our grief journey. Gold Star Mother Vivian Allen