An Allen County could be sentenced to death if convicted in the death of a young girl last fall.
Timothy Madden is charged with kidnapping, murder, rape, and sodomy in the death of seven-year-old Gabbi Doolin.
Allen County Commonwealth’s Attorney Clint Willis says he consulted with the girl’s family before reaching his decision to seek the death penalty.
Madden’s defense attorney Travis Lock says he wasn’t caught off guard by the prosecutor’s decision.
"This was not a decision that was unanticipated by the defense. We have known since day one the commonwealth would likely seek capital punishment," Lock told WKU Public Radio. "What penalty the commonwealth elects to seek has little if any bearing on how the underlying case is defended. What penalty the commonwealth elects to seek does not change the facts of the underlying allegations or the underlying charges in this indictment."
Doolin’s body was found in a creek behind Allen County-Scottsville High School after being reported missing during a youth football game last November. Madden was arrested a week later. Investigators say evidence recovered from the girl’s body matched Madden’s DNA. The 38-year-old Madden maintains his innocence.
