Anthony J. Allen was found guilty of murder on a rainy Thursday after a six-week trial and two day deliberation in what has been described as a “brutal murder” of Renee C. Greco.
Allen, 19, of Rochester, was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first degree robbery and two counts of second-degree burglary.
At least seven jurors told a US&J reporter they thought Allen was innocent of the charges, but were forced to give a guilty verdict due to the way prosecution described the charges and lack of evidence.
“This was the worst investigated murder I could ever imagine,” Myron Mason of Wheatfield said after trial. “I mean why in Lord’s name would police not investigate the other guys in the house.”
Allen’s attorney E. Earl Key said charges read to the jury differed from the original indictment.
“The indictment stated that Anthony J. Allen and Robert Thousand acted in a matter with each other, but was later changed,” Key said.
But Key said the charges given to the jury stated: “Anthony J. Allen, Robert Thousand or others acted,” Key said as he emphasized the words “or others acted.”
Prosecution had no comment.
“The way they had it worded gave us no choice but to find him guilty on some of the charges,” Adam Biano of Lockport said. “No doubt assault, but certainly not straight up murder.”
Despite the outcome Greco’s friends and family said they are happy with the verdict. Allen will face 25 years to life in prison at sentencing Dec. 10.
“At least he won’t get out to hurt anyone else,” Greco’s mother Jane Patterson said. “It was extremely hard to go through, but glad it’s over so we can get on with our lives.
After the verdict was read, Patterson said she put her hand up in the air and pointed to her daughter.
“Renee can rest in peace,” Patterson said.
Contact reporter Britney Milazzo at 439-9222, ext. 6251
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