By John McLaughlin
Community Newsman
Despite what appeared to me as compelling evidence early in the murder case, it took more than 40 years for at least Jerry Allen to face justice in Michael McKeown’s 1982 murder in Hutchinson, long after alleged co-conspirator Ron Solida was killed in 1986 in California during a newsworthy early morning rampage. Google that last bit.
But like Allen, now in his late 70s, a third alleged co-conspirator, Janice McKeown, otherwise known as Janice Shelley, was able to live a long, free, uncontested life after her former husband’s contracted killing at just 44 years old, found dead the day their divorce was to be settled. Having died in 2020 at 71 years old, she was later pinned in the murder by investigators with Allen and Solida but will never see charges.
The legal maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” rings true for this case only here.
I otherwise say “not this time,” because any still-living family of Michael McKeown will at least get to see Allen sentenced to prison in October.
A number of other victims who, like law enforcement, believe Allen also played some role in up to nine murders, will also get relief with Allen’s imprisonment, however late.
Justice also was not altogether delayed this time in the sense that the 27th Judicial District Court and Reno County District Attorney’s Office worked smartly and quickly to help offset justice denied.
Smartly, technology played a significant role in this case, compared with that available in 1982. State’s witnesses, otherwise unable to travel to Reno County to take the stand, testified via Zoom and appeared to play significant roles in convicting Allen.
This being his 210th jury trial, 27th Judicial District Judge Keith Schroeder also wasted little time in moving forward court proceedings. Prosecutors, the defense and potential jurors were likely ready to call it quits after a long day of jury selection at the outset of proceedings last week.
But Schroeder moved proceedings directly into opening statements that first day, followed directly by the state calling its first witnesses. All told, the proceedings lasted all but four days, with the jury reaching its decision after a mere 42 minutes of deliberation.
I watched the 12 chosen jurors leave the box, holding their heads high. They, too, should be proud.
I also overheard during a break in proceedings that Schroeder worked well into the morning hours to ensure the trial sound and precedent met. I commend him for his efforts. After more than 40 years of injustice, justice here needs to stick.
If you haven’t read our reporting on this case, take a look. I attended the entire proceedings. This case and surrounding events are one to read up on. And, perhaps you’ll see a documentary.
John McLaughlin is a general assignment reporter for The Hutchinson Tribune. He can be reached at john@hutchtribune.com.