Man accused in May 2011 deadly arson reaches plea deal - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

A man accused of intentionally starting a fire that killed a 63-year-old Indianapolis woman and her quadriplegic son in 2011 has pleaded guilty to arson.

Gary Allen pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of arson in exchange for prosecutors dropping two murder charges he had faced. His sentencing is set for July 11. Allen will serve a total executed sentence of 75 years in prison.

Allen was charged for setting the fire at 1119 S. State Street that resulted in the deaths of Anna and Jerry Richards. Allen told detectives that he started the fire "by lighting a mattress...knowing Anna Richards had renter's insurance on contents inside." After setting the fire and as Richards and her grown children slept, "he watched it from a window for a time until he was satisfied it was burning; he then went back inside to await the 'discovery.' By that time, the fire was out of control."

Prosecutors say Allen set the fire knowing that several people were asleep inside the home.

In the plea agreement, Allen pleaded guilty to two counts of Arson Resulting in Death, both Class A Felonies. As part of the agreement, Allen waived his right to appeal the total executed sentence of 75 years in the Department of Corrections.

Prosecutor Terry Curry says Allen will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Allen will be sentenced on July 11, 2012 at 8:30 am.