Victim's Impact Statement from the Allens
Jason's mom graciously agreed to let me share this with you all. This is their Victim's Impact Statement that was read at Shaun Gallon's sentencing:
August 15, 2004 ... Fourteen years, eleven months ago, our lives were turned upside down. Our son, Jason Allen, and future daughter-in-law, Lindsay Cutshall, were taken from us, at the hands of an evil person. We have patiently waited many years to address the court. Today, our time has come. We have received justice.First of all, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s department. Because of their professional expertise, their passion for this case, and their relentless hard work, they have given us the answers we have sought for fifteen years. God could not have given us a better team to work with. We not only had a professional relationship with our detectives, but we grew to know and love them. They shared our tears and our prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Secondly, we would also like to express our gratitude to the Sonoma County prosecuting attorney’s office for their diligence in putting together a case in which the evidence was so overwhelming and organized that the death penalty was justified. This led to the confession of a murderer. We appreciate the fact that you kept us updated on the progress of the case. We are sorry we cannot thank you in person. Please know we are eternally grateful.
Thirdly, we would like to tell the court about our son, Jason. He was a good person. He enjoyed life. He loved the out of doors. He grew up hunting and fishing with his father. He was adventuresome, fearless, and greatly experienced when it came to rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Young people, teens especially, were drawn to him and sought to be like him. People who knew him loved him. He brought joy to us as his parents, to his two sisters, Elizabeth and Vanessa, and to his countless friends. He was kind, tender hearted, a hard worker and most of all, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He used his skills that God gave him to minister to young people in camp settings. He believed God had called him to ministry, and that God had provided the perfect helpmate, Lindsay, to join him in that ministry. They were both role models for troubled teens. They loved each other dearly and were looking forward to a lifetime of happiness together. Jason’s two favorite Bible verses were:
Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Colossians 3:23,24 — "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
This is the kind of man Jason was. This is the kind of son who was taken from us. He was committed to doing good for mankind and for the Lord. We are so proud to have called him son. What a precious gift he was to us.
Lastly, we want the court to know that in the early morning hours of August 15, 2004, Shaun Gallon broke our hearts beyond description. Our family changed forever that horrible night. A huge part of us was gone. Can anyone even comprehend the degree of evil that was committed that night, on a public beach, under the cover of darkness? We cannot. Who can understand a cowardly act that was pre-meditated, meticulously calculated, covered up and stuffed deeply into the darkness of a sick and evil mind? We cannot. Who can comprehend the taking of innocent lives in such an evil manner? We certainly cannot.
So, what did we do? How did we cope? Who did we turn to in order to survive this devastating loss? It was our faith in a sovereign, righteous, and loving God that we turned to. On August 18, 2004, when we and Lindsay’s parents learned of the deaths of our beloved children and the manner in which they died, we immediately relinquished the perpetrator to our heavenly Father. We put him in God’s hands. We did not understand, but we did not desire to be angry, bitter, or hateful. We did not want revenge, but we did seek justice. We knew this person would be living under the wrath of a righteous God and that this murderer would be held accountable for this act, both in a court of law and in answer to our God. It would all be taken care of. We had peace. Incalculable sadness, but peace. We believed the answer to this mystery and the truth would be revealed. Truth could not be hidden. It would eventually be brought to light.
After thirteen years, Shaun Gallon was arrested and charged with the murders of our beloved Jason and Lindsay. Two years later, he has been convicted. He will no longer walk the streets, endangering other innocent lives. Pleading "no contest" allows this man to be sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole or appeal. We are okay with the death penalty being removed. We feel justice in the court of law has been served.
He has answered to a court of law. He must now answer to a righteous God.
It is our desire to someday see repentance from this man. He must live out his life, in prison, reliving the memory of what he has done. That is the consequence of his sin. As of now, he has no hope for this life or for life in the hereafter, but it is not too late for that to change. The consequences of murder will not change in this life, but he could still make his life count for something. The Bible says all men have fallen short of the glory of God and that the wages of sin is death, which is eternal separation from God. The Bible also states that if one confesses, truly repents and seeks forgiveness, forgiveness is available. This is because God is a loving, merciful God. His desire is that everyone be saved. That is our desire for Shaun Gallon. We pray for his soul. Jason and Lindsay lived their lives to bring the message of salvation, through Jesus Christ, to others. If he had only talked with Jason and Lindsay that night on the beach, instead of killing them, he would have received the message of the life changing gospel. Shaun Gallon will still have time to live out his days a changed man. He still has the opportunity to serve his time in prison knowing that, no matter the degree of evil he lived his life, he is forgiven by a loving, merciful God. It requires true repentance and surrender to God. It is totally up to him.
We still miss Jason and Lindsay so very much, but no matter how much we have been hurt, we have hope. Our children are very much alive, and we will one day be with Jason and Lindsay. We will live for eternity in joy and peace with them and with the Lord Jesus Christ. For this we rejoice. Shaun Gallon broke our hearts when he took Jason and Lindsay from this earth, but we have the one HOPE that no man can take from us. Life has triumphed over death. God has triumphed over evil.
We thank the court for the opportunity to have our say.
Bob and Delores Allen
posted by Janna @ 2:57 PM
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