An Indiana man is behind bars after police say he disclosed sensitive information and evidence in connection with the 2017 Delphi murders.
According to a 29-page court transcript released Friday, police arrested Mitchell Thomas Westerman on a conversion charge, after he allegedly leaked evidence in the murders of Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14.
Investigators said they learned Westerman was a friend and former associate of murder suspect Richard Allen’s first defense lawyer, Andrew Baldwin. Court documents indicate that Westerman took photos of the evidence while in Baldwin’s office during an October 9 meeting.
Westerman allegedly admitted to photographing the evidence with his phone and then sharing the evidence, which eventually made its way to podcasters and online communities. Investigators subsequently were given evidence from a podcaster that implicated Westerman.
“I observed printed copies of photo evidence on the conference room table. I took pictures of a few of them,” Westerman allegedly admitted.
Last month, Special Judge Frances Gull removed Baldwin and Brad Rozzi from representing Allen, due to the leak, the transcript states.
The transcript also indicated that Allen’s original attorneys objected to Judge Gull’s “disqualification” statement following the evidence leak, arguing that the terminology implied their removal rather than Westerman’s actions.
“It pains me to say this, but the totality of these circumstances demonstrate gross negligence and incompetence on the part of the defense team. I am unsatisfied with your representation of Mr. Allen. I am gravely concerned about his rights to have competent, non-negligent representation,” Gull stated.
“He currently doesn’t have that right now, because what you have demonstrated is negligence and incompetence. Now, I am sharing my thoughts with you privately. I don’t want to say this in open court.
I would encourage you to talk privately about what you wish to do. I don’t want this coming out, it is not where we need to be with this case, but will… I am finding gross incompetence and negligence with you.”
Delphi Respondents Suppleme… by Leigh Egan
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Delphi Double Homicide Task Force took Allen into custody on October 28 last year at his home in Delphi, for the murders of Abigail and Liberty.
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.
Allen remains behind bars without bail. 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.
[Feature Photo: Abby (R) and Libby (l)/Handout]
