A Gilmer man plead guilty to the murder of his stepfather James Earl Robinson, according to a press release from the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday June 27, 2017.
Clinton Ray Allen received a 45-year sentence and is in the Upshur County Jail on bonds totaling over $1 million.
Allen was arrested on April 6 after a welfare check concern led to the discovery of Robinson's body in a residence at 446 Holly Road.
Robinson had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and police said Allen had covered the body with a blanket before fleeing the scene. Allen later said he shot Robinson because he had talked badly about his late mother.
Authorities said they located Robinson’s truck close to Sweet Gum road and Thomas road, meanwhile Robinson’s family gathered a group to search for Allen.
When officers turned onto Sweet Gum Road they said a white male was standing in the middle of the road holding a rifle on the Allen, who was lying on the roadway. Allen had unspent rounds of 30-30 ammunition in his pocket, according to officers.
Allen led officers to the rifle, which was in a wooded area 50 yards away.
On April 6, Allen was arrested for public intoxication and possession of a firearm. According to the release, Allen issued a letter on April 21 admitting to murdering his stepfather and requesting a plea date.
He was indicted for murder on June 2.
According to the release, Allen is not likely to be eligible for parole because of previous criminal cases where he did not make parole.
