An Indiana judge ordered the release of charging documents in connection with accused murderer Richard Allen, for the 2017 Delphi murders of Libby German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 14.
According to NBC 13, Special Judge Fran Gull of Allen County announced the decision in court Tuesday, followed by a statement from the Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office.
“We strongly believe the evidence shows Richard Allen was involved in the murder of Libby and Abby,” the statement said.
“Because the investigation is ongoing and given the intense public interest in this case, we think it would be best if the documents remain sealed. Regardless of the ruling, we believe we have a very strong case against Mr. Allen and look forward to making our argument in trial.”
Allen’s trial date has been set for March 20 at 9 a.m., but that date could possibly get pushed back so that the prosecution and defense have enough preparation time.
HAPPENING NOW:
For the first time since Tuesday's hearing in the #RichardAllen case, we are hearing from Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland.
Here is his statement, shared by Indiana State Police.@WTHRcom | #Delphi pic.twitter.com/uc4OiV8NhP
— Samantha Johnson 13 NEWS (@SamJohnsonNews) November 23, 2022
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Delphi Double Homicide Task Force took Allen into custody on October 28. He’s been charged with two counts of murder.
Both victims were found murdered near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi on February 14, 2017, after taking an outing to the bridge the day prior. The outing was only meant for a few hours and when the girls failed to return, family members contacted police.
One of the girls, likely sensing danger, recorded the man’s voice on her cellphone prior to the murders. She also managed to take a photo and record a small clip of the suspect. Although his face isn’t clear in the picture, it was enough to give authorities a general description. Since then, they’ve been poring through thousands of tips, leading to Allen’s arrest.
Meanwhile, detectives continue to ask anyone who may have additional information to email abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com or call 765-822-3535.
“This investigation is still very ongoing. We are keeping the tip line open, not only about Richard Allen but any other person,” Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland previously said. “We cannot talk about the evidence in the probable cause or the charging information … today’s about Abby and Libby, focusing on them.”
WATCH HERE: VIDEO of the suspect
LISTEN HERE: AUDIO of the suspect
Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Here is a previous episode on the case.
[Featured image: Richard Allen/ISP; Abby (R) and Libby (l)/Handout
