A Colorado man has been sentenced to 70 years in prison for the brutal murder of a young woman, highlighting serious concerns about the justice system’s handling of violent offenders. Gregory Alan Whittemore, 42, was convicted for the horrific crime committed in October 2022, where he lured 27-year-old Allison Scarfone to his home.
During the attack, Whittemore physically assaulted Scarfone before killing her and hiding her body in a plastic tote in his garage. This man was on parole for a previous attempted sexual assault conviction at the time of the murder, raising alarming questions about why he was free to commit such a violent act again.
Whittemore had previously received a sentence of 10 years to life on probation, a sentence he ultimately violated, yet he was granted parole just a week before Scarfone’s murder. Many are questioning how an individual with such a serious history could be released into society without adequate supervision.
During the sentencing, El Paso County District Court Judge Samuel Evig expressed his frustration with the justice system, stating, “Allison Scarfone deserved to live a long and fruitful life, yet she was brutally murdered by a violent sex offender who should have been in prison.” He pointed out that the system must do better to protect citizens from individuals convicted of violent crimes, suggesting that sentences for such offenders need to reflect the seriousness of their actions.
Judges and lawmakers must recognize that victims like Scarfone should not have been subjected to the violence of a repeat offender. This case brings to light the need for stricter laws and longer sentences for those convicted of violent sexual crimes to ensure that they are kept off the streets for good.
Prosecutors note that in the days leading up to the murder, Whittemore had managed to manipulate and coerce Scarfone into visiting him, culminating in a violent altercation where he strangled and smothered her after she labeled him a rapist during their argument. This chilling realization emphasizes the danger posed by those who have been given a second chance and repeatedly fail to demonstrate accountability.
Whittemore faced charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault and ultimately pleaded guilty to these accusations. His lengthy prison sentence serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of his actions on the victims’ families and the community at large.
This tragic case raises a larger discussion about how the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems handle repeat offenders. It’s clear many people feel frustrated that someone with such a dangerous history was released back into the community, and noticeable changes in policies must be made. We need a system that prioritizes public safety over leniency for violent criminals.
As community members seek justice and advocate for stronger measures to ensure public safety, it is imperative to recognize that individuals who have shown a pattern of violent behavior should not be treated lightly. The loss of life and the pain experienced by those left behind is a stark reminder that victims deserve more than just words of sympathy; they deserve a justice system that works diligently to prevent future tragedies.
The sentencing of Gregory Alan Whittemore stands as a critical moment in addressing the real issues in our criminal justice system. Holding violent offenders accountable is crucial, and it is high time that lawmakers reassess their approaches to sentencing, parole, and the rehabilitation of those who have proven they cannot be trusted. This way, we can work toward preventing heart-wrenching stories like Allison Scarfone’s from becoming a reality again.
