Steveson Convicted of Capital Murder in Andy Allen’s Death

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT — A jury has convicted 66-year-old Roberts Lee Steveson of Crockett of capital murder in the death of Herbert Andrew “Andy” Allen following a weeklong trial.

Because of the capital murder conviction, Steveson was automatically sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Allen was 78 when he died and was a familiar face to many local residents through Crockett Trade Days, where he sold wooden tool handles, antique trinkets and other primitives.

Allen was found dead inside his home by a family member on May 23, 2024. Crockett Police Department officers responded to the residence in the 800 block of Monroe Street and noted suspicious circumstances at the scene.

Justice of the Peace Mike McCreight ordered an autopsy, and preliminary results determined that Allen’s death was a homicide. Because of the sensitivity of the case, CPD initially released few details and said the investigation remained ongoing.

Steveson was later identified as a person of interest and charged in connection with Allen’s death. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Steveson burglarized Allen’s home on the night of May 21, 2024. During the burglary, a violent assault occurred that ultimately resulted in Allen’s death.

The case was initially handled by the county district attorney’s office before being turned over to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Amanda Dillon prosecuted the case for the Texas AG’s Office. The Messenger was unable to reach Dillon for comment.

Information released following the verdict also noted that Steveson had a significant criminal history dating back to the 1970s. He was convicted in Trinity County of multiple offenses, including sexual assault and murder, served several years in prison and was on parole at the time of Allen’s death.

Those prior convictions and Steveson’s parole status were not presented to the jury during the capital murder trial.

While the verdict brought a measure of justice and accountability in Allen’s death, it also called attention to the life of the man many people in Crockett knew long before he became the victim of a violent crime.

Herbert Andrew Allen was born Nov. 1, 1945, in Crockett to Ollie “Dock” Allen and Mary Elizabeth Smothers Allen. He spent part of his childhood in Grapeland before moving to Crockett, where he graduated from Crockett High School in 1964.

As a young boy, Allen was active in 4-H and developed a love for horses. His dream was to become a cowboy.

Allen also served for six years as a supply sergeant in the Texas Army National Guard.

By trade, Allen was a tinsmith and carpenter. His skill in construction and woodworking became part of his legacy, visible in homes throughout Crockett and the surrounding area. He was known as a craftsman who took pride in his work.

Allen served his community as a member of the Crockett Volunteer Fire Department from 1969 to 1985. He was active with the Houston County Fair Association and supported both the Crockett and Latexo FFA chapters.

In 1988, Allen received an Honorary Chapter Farmer award for his contributions to the Crockett FFA chapter. He shared his knowledge of swine, poultry and woodworking projects with local 4-H and FFA students and loved spending time with his children at the Houston County Fair and livestock shows throughout Texas.

His children remained central to his life.

Allen gladly carried batons for his daughter, Andrea “Pokey,” making sure her fire batons were ready for Crockett Bulldog football games. He traveled many miles with his son, Jason “Leroy Brown,” showing steers and pigs, and continued that tradition with Jason’s children.

Annual trips with Shannon “Peadinkle” to the Houston Livestock Show, where they hauled chickens, often included roadside stops. Allen would set up a temporary pen to feed and water the chickens along the way, creating memories that extended well beyond the show ring.

Allen enjoyed old Western television shows, family history, primitives and time spent with friends. His greatest love, however, was his grandchildren. He could often be found at their softball and baseball games or telling others about their accomplishments.

After retiring, Allen operated Ponder Hill Mercantile, selling primitives at local flea markets. The business gave him another way to connect with people, and he developed an extended family among fellow vendors and customers.

He loved visiting with everyone.

For those who knew Allen through the fairgrounds, the fire department, local flea markets or family gatherings, the conviction brings an end to a long criminal case. His life, however, will be remembered through the people he helped, the homes he built, the young people he encouraged and the family he loved.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]