Griffin sentence reduced for Belton murder

The Indiana Court of Appeals shaved five years off the prison sentence of former Marine Michael Griffin, who was convicted of murdering IU English professor Don Belton in December 2009.

Griffin, 28, was charged with the murder of Belton, 53, and received a subsequent prison sentence of 50 years in May of last year.

Griffin accumulated credit for each of the days he spent behind bars awaiting his trial and will be eligible for release as early as 20 years from now. He could be released sooner, if he continues his education while incarcerated.

Last week, Griffin’s sentence was reduced to 45 years after the court weighed in Griffin’s claim that he was sexually assaulted by Belton two days prior to the murder.

“In light of the tragic circumstances surrounding the offense and the character of the offender as he conducted himself prior to the instant aberration, we find a 45-year sentence to be appropriate,” the court ruling states.

The sentence reduction comes in response to the implication that the murder was instigated by a sexual assault, according to the ruling.

The chain of events that transpired prior to the murder began at a party in December 2009.

Belton invited himself to a Christmas party hosted by Griffin and his girlfriend. Belton disclosed at the party that he was either too high or drunk to get home safely, according to the Indiana Court of Appeals.

At this point in the night, Griffin had consumed an abundance of alcohol and was extremely intoxicated.

Belton reportedly took advantage of the situation and engaged Griffin in unwanted oral and anal sex, the case summary reads.

A few days later, Griffin drove to Belton’s Madison Street home to confront his alleged attacker. The confrontation turned violent, and Griffin stabbed Belton 21 times with his 10-inch combat blade and slashed his throat.

Monroe County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Bob Miller presided over the case and stands by the original sentence handed down last year by Monroe Circuit Judge Teresa Harper.

— Michael Majchrowicz