Howard Allen
Indiana Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Indianapolis, Indiana
TIME PERIOD
1974-1987
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Howard Arthur Allen, an American serial killer, was active in Indianapolis, Indiana, committing a series of violent crimes from 1974 to 1987, which included the murders of three elderly victims: Opal Cooper (85), Laverne Hale (87), and Ernestine Griffin (74). Allen was apprehended on August 4, 1987, following the murder of Griffin, where evidence linked him to the crime scene, including his name found in her home and a camera belonging to her discovered at his workplace. He was sentenced to death on June 11, 1988, with additional sentences for robbery and theft, but his death sentence was later commuted to 98 years in prison. Allen died on June 5, 2020, while incarcerated at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, concluding a lengthy criminal case that highlighted issues of mental health and criminal responsibility.
Howard Allen is believed to have targeted vulnerable elderly individuals due to their perceived inability to defend themselves, suggesting a predatory pattern in his selection of victims. Some speculate that his troubled upbringing and potential mental health issues contributed to his violent behavior, leading to questions about his culpability and the adequacy of his mental health assessments. Additionally, there are theories that his criminal activities may have escalated due to a need for financial gain, as he committed burglary alongside his murders.
The Troubled Path of Howard Arthur Allen
On February 10, 1949, in the bustling city of Indianapolis, Indiana, Howard Arthur Allen was born into a world that would later label him a serial killer. His journey from a struggling child to a feared criminal paints a chilling portrait of a man whose actions left a trail of devastation and heartache.
Early Life: Shadows of Struggle
Howard Allen was one of eight children, raised by a single mother who battled poverty every day. The family often found themselves in dire situations, and young Howard took to stealing food to help his family survive. His academic journey was fraught with challenges. Enrolled in special education classes due to his mental disabilities, Allen struggled significantly. By the time he left elementary school, his reading level had not surpassed that of a second grader. A special education director observed that Allen had difficulty processing language, his thinking was overly concrete, and his decision-making skills were lacking. This assessment suggested he could easily be influenced and might not fully comprehend the consequences of his actions.
Despite these observations, Allen's true mental capacity was mired in controversy. His IQ score stood at 104, a fact that contradicted the claims of mental disability. His mother described him as an "average" student, and none of his family members or the eighteen individuals who vouched for him during sentencing believed he was anything other than of normal intelligence.
The Crimes: A Dark Descent
The darkness of Allen's life took a more sinister turn in August 1974. In a shocking act of violence, he killed 85-year-old Opal Cooper during a burglary. The brutality of the crime resulted in a 21-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. However, the justice system granted him parole in 1985, and Allen was once again free.
Freedom, however, did not steer him towards redemption. On May 18, 1987, Allen struck again, this time ending the life of 87-year-old Laverne Hale in her Indianapolis home. The bloodshed continued on July 14, 1987, when Allen murdered 74-year-old Ernestine Griffin. The investigation into Griffin's murder quickly pointed to Allen when a piece of paper with his name and phone number was found on her counter. A neighbor revealed that Allen had recently discussed a car with Griffin. The discovery of Griffin’s camera at the carwash where Allen worked solidified the suspicion. Under questioning, Allen confessed to striking Griffin but vehemently denied the murder.
The Legal Battle: Justice and Delay
The legal system moved swiftly, and on June 11, 1988, Allen was sentenced to death for the murder of Ernestine Griffin. Alongside the death sentence, he received a 50-year sentence for robbery with serious bodily injury and a 38-year sentence for theft. His time on death row would stretch over 25 years as he awaited a federal court's decision on a writ of habeas corpus.
Repeated attempts to prove Allen's mental disability—and thus his ineligibility for execution—were initially unsuccessful. However, perseverance paid off when a federal court eventually agreed with the defense, overturning his death sentence. In 2012, Allen was resentenced to 60 years in prison for Griffin's murder. The Indiana Department of Correction noted his potential release date as April 23, 2035. Allen spent his final years at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Haddon Township, Indiana.
The End of the Path
Howard Arthur Allen's life came to an end on June 5, 2020, at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by the Indiana Department of Correction, closing the final chapter of a life marked by tragedy and violence.
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First Murder Committed
Howard Allen beats 85-year-old Opal Cooper to death during a burglary.
Paroled from Prison
Allen is released on parole after serving time for the murder of Opal Cooper.
Second Murder Committed
Allen attacks and murders 87-year-old Laverne Hale in her home.
Third Murder Committed
Allen murders 74-year-old Ernestine Griffin in her home.
Arrested
Allen is apprehended after police link him to the murder of Ernestine Griffin.
Sentenced to Death
Allen is sentenced to death for the murder of Ernestine Griffin.
Resentenced
Allen's death sentence is overturned; he is resentenced to 60 years in prison.
Death
Howard Allen dies at the age of 71 in prison.
Howard Arthur Allen, an American serial killer, was active in Indianapolis, Indiana, committing a series of violent crimes from 1974 to 1987, which included the murders of three elderly victims: Opal Cooper (85), Laverne Hale (87), and Ernestine Griffin (74). Allen was apprehended on August 4, 1987, following the murder of Griffin, where evidence linked him to the crime scene, including his name found in her home and a camera belonging to her discovered at his workplace. He was sentenced to death on June 11, 1988, with additional sentences for robbery and theft, but his death sentence was later commuted to 98 years in prison. Allen died on June 5, 2020, while incarcerated at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, concluding a lengthy criminal case that highlighted issues of mental health and criminal responsibility.
Howard Allen is believed to have targeted vulnerable elderly individuals due to their perceived inability to defend themselves, suggesting a predatory pattern in his selection of victims. Some speculate that his troubled upbringing and potential mental health issues contributed to his violent behavior, leading to questions about his culpability and the adequacy of his mental health assessments. Additionally, there are theories that his criminal activities may have escalated due to a need for financial gain, as he committed burglary alongside his murders.
The Troubled Path of Howard Arthur Allen
On February 10, 1949, in the bustling city of Indianapolis, Indiana, Howard Arthur Allen was born into a world that would later label him a serial killer. His journey from a struggling child to a feared criminal paints a chilling portrait of a man whose actions left a trail of devastation and heartache.
Early Life: Shadows of Struggle
Howard Allen was one of eight children, raised by a single mother who battled poverty every day. The family often found themselves in dire situations, and young Howard took to stealing food to help his family survive. His academic journey was fraught with challenges. Enrolled in special education classes due to his mental disabilities, Allen struggled significantly. By the time he left elementary school, his reading level had not surpassed that of a second grader. A special education director observed that Allen had difficulty processing language, his thinking was overly concrete, and his decision-making skills were lacking. This assessment suggested he could easily be influenced and might not fully comprehend the consequences of his actions.
Despite these observations, Allen's true mental capacity was mired in controversy. His IQ score stood at 104, a fact that contradicted the claims of mental disability. His mother described him as an "average" student, and none of his family members or the eighteen individuals who vouched for him during sentencing believed he was anything other than of normal intelligence.
The Crimes: A Dark Descent
The darkness of Allen's life took a more sinister turn in August 1974. In a shocking act of violence, he killed 85-year-old Opal Cooper during a burglary. The brutality of the crime resulted in a 21-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. However, the justice system granted him parole in 1985, and Allen was once again free.
Freedom, however, did not steer him towards redemption. On May 18, 1987, Allen struck again, this time ending the life of 87-year-old Laverne Hale in her Indianapolis home. The bloodshed continued on July 14, 1987, when Allen murdered 74-year-old Ernestine Griffin. The investigation into Griffin's murder quickly pointed to Allen when a piece of paper with his name and phone number was found on her counter. A neighbor revealed that Allen had recently discussed a car with Griffin. The discovery of Griffin’s camera at the carwash where Allen worked solidified the suspicion. Under questioning, Allen confessed to striking Griffin but vehemently denied the murder.
The Legal Battle: Justice and Delay
The legal system moved swiftly, and on June 11, 1988, Allen was sentenced to death for the murder of Ernestine Griffin. Alongside the death sentence, he received a 50-year sentence for robbery with serious bodily injury and a 38-year sentence for theft. His time on death row would stretch over 25 years as he awaited a federal court's decision on a writ of habeas corpus.
Repeated attempts to prove Allen's mental disability—and thus his ineligibility for execution—were initially unsuccessful. However, perseverance paid off when a federal court eventually agreed with the defense, overturning his death sentence. In 2012, Allen was resentenced to 60 years in prison for Griffin's murder. The Indiana Department of Correction noted his potential release date as April 23, 2035. Allen spent his final years at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Haddon Township, Indiana.
The End of the Path
Howard Arthur Allen's life came to an end on June 5, 2020, at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by the Indiana Department of Correction, closing the final chapter of a life marked by tragedy and violence.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder Committed
Howard Allen beats 85-year-old Opal Cooper to death during a burglary.
Paroled from Prison
Allen is released on parole after serving time for the murder of Opal Cooper.
Second Murder Committed
Allen attacks and murders 87-year-old Laverne Hale in her home.
Third Murder Committed
Allen murders 74-year-old Ernestine Griffin in her home.
Arrested
Allen is apprehended after police link him to the murder of Ernestine Griffin.
Sentenced to Death
Allen is sentenced to death for the murder of Ernestine Griffin.
Resentenced
Allen's death sentence is overturned; he is resentenced to 60 years in prison.
Death
Howard Allen dies at the age of 71 in prison.