In a tragic turn of events on March 3, 2017, 20-year-old Jacob Michael Allen, a male resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, was fatally shot at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center. The incident unfolded in the afternoon, prompting an investigation by the Flagstaff Police Department that would soon reveal a story of a drug deal gone wrong. Initially, there was some confusion as emergency responders were dispatched to an incorrect address, but they were quickly redirected to the recreation center.
The investigation into Allen's death led authorities to a 15-year-old male suspect. It was determined that Allen and the teenager had arranged to meet at the recreation center for a marijuana sale. During the transaction, the teenager attempted to rob Allen, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire. Both Allen and the juvenile suspect sustained gunshot wounds in the altercation. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 15-year-old was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center in stable condition.
The teenage suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the homicide. He later pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and one count of armed robbery. For his role in the death of Jacob Allen, the teen was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 18 years for the murder charge and 10 and a half years for the armed robbery, to be served concurrently. He was given credit for the eight months he had already served in custody.
