24 September 2010 :

In Viera, a Brevard County jury today unanimously recommended the death penalty for Margaret Allen, 44, black. Under Florida law, the jury’s advisory sentence does not have to be unanimous. Judge George Maxwell will now decide on Allen’s fate after he ponders the jury’s advisory sentence. Allen was found guilty earlier this week in the February 2005 killing of Wenda Wright, black. Allen suspected Wright of stealing a purse containing $2,000 and beat and tortured her before burying her in a shallow grave with the help of 2 men, according to court testimony. Wright was buried with the help of James Martin and Quinton Allen. Both men received plea deals and testified against Allen in the guilt phase of the trial that began Sept. 15.