Nicholas Stanley plans to file appeal following 80-year prison sentence

ELKHART, Ind. -- Nicholas Stanley, the man convicted of killing Allen Cogswell, the man who molested his young relative, was sentenced to 80 years in prison Thursday morning. 

ABC57 Investigates brought you the special report 'the Confession' where Stanley confessed to shooting and killing Allen Cogswell in June 2025 in an exclusive jailhouse interview.

In a dark blue jumpsuit, hands cuffed in front of him, Nic Stanley walked into the courtroom where he was sentenced to 80 years in Indiana State Prison for the murder of Allen Cogswell, the man who molested his young relative.

Let's break it down.

On the murder charge — Stanley was sentenced to 55 years in prison with an enhancement due to aggravating factors bringing the total to 65 years. On the gun charge — an enhancement of 15 years.

Stanley's attorney, Vincent Campiti, plans to file an appeal.

"I think the court committed an error when it did not allow the jury to consider voluntary manslaughter. I think that the evidence clearly was enough to for the jury to consider a voluntary manslaughter, sudden heat defense. From that point on, it became clear an appellate court would have to make a determination in the case," shared Campiti.

Before the judge handed down the sentence, Linda Heeter, Allen Cogswell's biological mother addressed the court. Heeter said she did not approve of what her son did, but "it was overkill" what Stanley did to Cogswell.

Stanley's sister Jessica and his two best friends, Brittany and Stephen, proudly supported Stanley wearing t-shirts that say, "dead pedophiles don't reoffend." They say they'll keep fighting for stricter sentences for sex offenders.

"I actually have personally reached out to a couple of Indiana Senators and some local Congressmen like Rudy Yakym, and I have physically written them letters. Other people have also, constituents have written them letters as well in regard to getting stricter reforms because, had he remained in for the full 12 years instead of six we would not be here today, where my brother is now having to serve 80 years, said Stanley.

Campiti says the appeals process could start well within a year, with the first six months involving lots of paperwork.

Before Stanley received his sentence, he said he appreciates all the love and support from family, friends and strangers, saying "I love you all." When his sentence was handed down, you could hear Linda Heeter say 'yes' in an excited tone.