A hearing has been scheduled to address the alleged leak of confidential Delphi crime scene evidence by accused child killer Richard Allen’s defense team, which could possibly jeopardize his trial, scheduled for next year.
Last Thursday, Special Judge Fran Gull ordered a hearing on October 19 “to discuss the upcoming hearing on October 31, 2023, and other matters which have recently arisen.” Other matters likely refer to crime scene evidence that’s been shared online, in connection with the 2017 Delphi murders of Abigail Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14, Fox 59 reports.
Authorities believe Allen’s lawyers may be responsible for releasing sensitive images to social media groups focused on the murders, according to an investigation by “The Murder Sheet” podcast.
Allen’s lawyers Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rozzi were first reprimanded by Judge Gull in December 2022 after they publicly released a statement denouncing the case against Allen only weeks after they took the case themselves.
Gull responded with a gag order for all parties involved.
Then, in September, the defense unleashed court filings that accused the state of withholding evidence and deceiving the judge in order to obtain a search warrant of Allen’s home.
When previous leaked evidence emerged online, Allen’s team reportedly took accountability for it. Gull has reportedly repeatedly chastised Allen’s attorneys for statements and leaks jeopardizing Allen’s fair trial rights.
As CrimeOnline reported, the Delphi Double Homicide Task Force took Allen into custody on October 28, 2022, at his home in Delphi, for the murders of Abigail and Libby.
The victims were found murdered near the Monon High Bridge 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.
Following his arrest, investigators searched Allen’s residence and found:
- A .40 caliber pistol
- Boots
- Knives
- Additional firearms
The Indiana State Police Laboratory examined a bullet found at the crime scene and ultimately determined that it came from a gun registered to Allen, and “forensically determined” that the bullet cycled through his gun.
Allen claimed he never let anyone else use his gun, but he had no explanation when told a bullet from his firearm was found at the crime scene.
Gull has not yet decided on media requests for cameras in the courtroom during Allen’s trial. She also has not ruled on a defense motion to dismiss the search warrant that allowed investigators to search Allen’s home last October.
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]
