Abrams sentenced to 24 years

EPHRATA — Dustin Gene Abrams was sentenced Wednesday to 24 years in prison for the March 2004 killing of 79-year-old Michael B. Mallon, a retired state employee and World War II veteran.

But the 24-year sentence, part of a plea deal between Grant County Prosecutor John Knodell and Abrams' lawyers, did not satisfy Mallon's family who attended the hearing in front of visiting Douglas County Superior Court Judge John Hotchkiss.

Three people spoke on behalf of Mallon's family before Hotchkiss sentenced Abrams, 23, of Moses Lake.

Colleen Mallon, Michael Mallon's daughter who currently lives in California, carried her father's ashes forward in a wood box and told the court the family waited three years for a funeral as the trial was repeatedly delayed.

"There is no justice today because of this plea agreement," she said.

She told Knodell he should've brought the case to trial.

"I'll tell you what Mr. Knodell, my daddy would have stood up and fought for you," she said.

A letter from Patti Lee, Michael Mallon's daughter from Idaho, was read to the court by a family friend.

Lee's letter said the family asks Hotchkiss to reject the plea agreement..

"Plea bargains are for those who are not likely to kill again," according to Lee's letter. "If let loose, in our society, (Abrams) would be likely to kill again."

"Thank God we've finally come to some conclusion," said Brendan Mallon, Michael Mallon's younger brother.

Brendan Mallon recalled for the court his brother's vigorous lifestyle, running 1,000 miles in the year prior to his death. Michael Mallon began running marathons at age 60.

"He was forever working on physical fitness," he told the court.

Brendan Mallon, Portland, Ore., recalled how his older brother once popped a tennis ball, while using it to exercise his hand.

Michael Mallon, who was born in Cuba, loved to dance, go skating, tell stories and spend time with his family. He was always generous. He was enthusiastic about hiking and climbed several Northwest mountains, including Mount Adams in Washington. He enjoyed gold mining near Medford, Ore.

"This is the kind of man you'd want your kid to grow up to be," he said.

Colleen Mallon, in an interview, said the plea agreement is completely unacceptable.

"The one and only reason they didn't try the case, I was told (by prosecutors) … was if they took the money to try the case then they wouldn't be able to try the next eight cases," she said. "They sacrificed this case, my father's case, for the next ones to come, because there's quote, 'plenty of murders' … We've been told 'it's the money' for the last year. It's about money."

Public defender Mike Haas, who represents Abrams, said the plea deal is simply a way for both sides to cut their losses.

"Although not perfect, this is probably the best resolution," Haas said.

Hotchkiss, before accepting the 24-year sentence, said no matter what resolution is reached, it won't bring Michael Mallon back from death.