By Britney Milazzo
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
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A defense attorney said Monday morning in Niagara County Court he will no longer be using an extreme emotion disturbance defense for client Anthony J. Allen.
“I have another trick up my sleeve,” E. Earl Key said, but did not go into further detail as to what his plans are or why he canceled his original defense.
“I would be violating my client’s rights by telling you,” Key said. “You’ll be really surprised at trial.”
When asked if Allen’s evaluation by an expert doctor did not go in his favor, Key said that was not a safe assumption.
Deputy District Attorney Holly E. Sloma and co-counsel, Assistant District Attorney Peter M. Wydysh, said defense recanting their strategy does not affect them.
“Nothing changes for us, and we’re ready to go full force,” Sloma said.
In court Monday, Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza accepted the request for two separate juries when trial begins against Allen, 19, and co-defendant Robert J. Thousand, 17, both of Rochester.
The new trial date has been scheduled for June 28 after months of delays.
Key and Thousand’s attorney, Joseph Terranova, said one trial and two juries is a good thing.
“There are statements given by people that could incriminate others,” Key said. “We want to keep things separate.”
Allen — who police and prosecution call the “ringleader” — and Thousand allegedly beat 24-year-old youth counselor Renee Greco to death at an East Avenue group home June 8.
Prosecution said they have a box of statements given by witnesses confirming that.
Allen was charged with three counts of first- and second-degree murder. Thousand faces three counts of second-degree murder.
Both were also charged with first-degree robbery for allegedly stealing Greco’s car keys and second-degree burglary for entering the office and stealing keys to the school’s van, Lockport police said.
Capt. Richard Podgers said police think the bludgeoning was sparked by a burglary at the group home the night before.
That third-degree burglary charge against Allen will be tried separately, Key said.
“He wants to share information with the jury on that count,” Key said of Allen. “He has nothing else to say other than that.”
The teens are scheduled for a final pre-trial hearing at 9 a.m. June 22.
Contact reporter Britney Milazzo at 439-9222, ext. 6251.
