Arrest Made in Delphi, Indiana Double Murders Case for Leak of Crime Scene Photographs

Arrest Made in Delphi, Indiana Double Murders Case for Leak of Crime Scene Photographs

New filings have been made in the Delphi double murders case, with authorities arresting and charging Mitch Westerman for the unauthorized distribution of crucial crime scene evidence. Westerman, a former coffee drinking buddy of his former boss, defense attorney Andrew Baldwin, admitted to taking photographs of crime scene pictures with his cell phone. Investigators allege that Westerman passed on the photographs to a Delphi Facebook poster, who then distributed them to other Delphi social media followers. The incident occurred when Westerman visited defense attorney Andrew Baldwin in late summer and was told to wait in a conference room. It was there that he spotted crime scene photographs depicting the bodies of Abby Williams and Libby German near the Monon High Bridge outside of Delphi in February 2017. The unauthorized distribution of these photographs led to outrage and the eventual resignations of Richard Allen’s attorneys, Baldwin and Bradley Rosie. The offense of unauthorized distribution of crime scene photographs is considered a misdemeanor conversion, which involves knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over another person’s property. If convicted, Westerman could face a fine of up to $5,000 or a year in jail. Westerman has already bonded out of the Johnson County Jail.

Delphi Leaked Texts Controversy Surrounding the Shocking 2017 Murders

Delphi Leaked Texts Controversy Surrounding the Shocking 2017 Murders

Indiana police are currently investigating leaked crime scene images from the notorious 2017 Delphi murders. The pictures have been circulated through text, email, and various social media platforms, generating widespread concern. Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, were tragically killed while hiking on Indiana’s Delphi Historic Trails on February 13, 2017. Their bodies were discovered the following day. Although the case remained cold for years, a critical breakthrough occurred in 2022 when a bullet from the crime scene linked 50-year-old Richard Allen to the murders. Podcasters Kevin Greenlee and Aine Cain, who host ‘The Murder Sheet’, were among the recipients of the leaked photos. They immediately notified the police. Cain described the images as deeply disturbing, both in content and the fact that they had been leaked. Concerns have been raised that the leaked images might adversely impact Allen’s case, potentially prejudicing a jury against him. There are also fears about the photos being weaponized for harassment, particularly toward the victims’ families. The source of the leak is alleged to be a former employee of Andrew Baldwin, an attorney on Richard Allen’s defense team. While Baldwin has remained silent due to a court-enforced gag order, the incident has precipitated a hearing ordered by Judge Francis Gull to address the situation. With Allen’s trial set for January 8, 2024, any potential change in his defense team could delay proceedings. Greenlee highlighted that any replacement lawyers would need substantial time to familiarize themselves with the case, prolonging Allen’s pre-trial detention. The Delphi case has seen significant public and media attention. Cain, commenting on the influence of social media, noted that the intense public interest, while sometimes beneficial, can also manifest darker aspects of curiosity and speculation. Separately, in a shocking revelation, legal documents claim the teenage victims were ‘ritualistically sacrificed’ by members of a pagan Norse religion and white nationalist group called ‘Odinism.’ Allen’s attorneys are challenging evidence collected during his home search and are pushing for relocation to a different facility. The forensics investigation has identified a connection between a bullet found at the crime scene and Allen’s firearm. Multiple items, including weapons and electronic devices, were retrieved from Allen’s residence. Allen has consistently pleaded not guilty, with his defense asserting the evidence is insufficient. While Allen is currently the primary suspect, others like Ron Logan and Kegan Kline had been previously considered potential culprits. Logan’s property was the grim discovery site of the girls’ bodies. Despite initial suspicions and his alibi not aligning, Logan was eventually released without charges. The release of a voice clip by the police from the crime scene led to public speculation. The voice was determined by the FBI to be ‘not inconsistent’ with Logan’s. Following the recent developments, the internet community delved into searching for texts potentially related to the case. The Delphi murders, especially given the close-knit nature of the community, have left lasting scars. The leak of sensitive information, such as the Delphi leaked texts and crime scene photos, serves as a painful reminder of the tragedy for the town’s residents and the victims’ families.

Mysterious Prison Transfer: Delphi Murder Suspect Relocated to High-Security Facility Amidst Controversy

Mysterious Prison Transfer: Delphi Murder Suspect Relocated to High-Security Facility Amidst Controversy

In a shocking turn of events, the Indiana Department of Correction has discreetly moved the prime suspect in the infamous Delphi murder case, Richard Allen, to a new prison facility. The state recently filed a notice with the court, revealing that Allen has been transferred to the highly secure Wabash Valley Facility, located south of Terre Haute. This unexpected move comes after Allen’s previous attorneys raised concerns about his treatment at the Westfield prison, where he had been held for the past year. Despite their pleas, the judge denied their request for relocation, leaving many puzzled by this sudden change. The Department of Correction has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind Allen’s transfer, leaving room for speculation and intrigue. With the case of Abby Williams and Liby German’s brutal murder still haunting the small town of Delphi nearly seven years later, the sudden move of the prime suspect raises questions about potential new developments in the investigation. The Delphi murder case has gripped the nation since the tragic day when the two young girls were found lifeless near a popular hiking trail. The community has been desperate for justice, and the recent transfer of Richard Allen has sparked renewed hope that the truth may finally be within reach. As the investigation into the Delphi murders continues, authorities are keeping a close eye on Allen’s movements and interactions within the high-security facility. With the case reaching a critical juncture, the pressure is mounting to uncover the truth and bring closure to the grieving families. While the Department of Correction has chosen to remain silent on the matter, it is clear that something significant is unfolding behind the prison walls. As the public eagerly awaits any updates, the mysterious transfer of Richard Allen has reignited interest in the case, propelling it back into the spotlight. Only time will tell what secrets lie within the walls of the Wabash Valley Facility and whether this unexpected move will lead to a breakthrough in the Delphi murder case. As the investigation intensifies, the nation holds its breath, hoping for justice to prevail and for the families of Abby Williams and Liby German to finally find solace in knowing that their loved ones’ killer has been brought to justice.

Attorneys for Richard Allen, Delphi Murder Suspect, Unexpectedly Withdraw from Case

Attorneys for Richard Allen, Delphi Murder Suspect, Unexpectedly Withdraw from Case

Special Judge Fran Gull announced on Thursday that attorneys representing the Delphi murder suspect, Richard Allen, have withdrawn from the case. Allen is facing charges for the February 2017 murders of Abby Williams and Libby German near Delphi’s Monon High Bridge. Scheduled for a 2 p.m. appearance in the Allen County court on Thursday, Allen was absent when the court session began around 2:30 p.m. The delay, which Judge Gull described as stemming from an “unexpected turn of events,” lasted half an hour. Upon commencement, Judge Gull clarified that Allen’s attorneys, Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rozzi, had stepped down from their roles in the case. As a result, Allen was in the process of being returned to Westville Correctional Facility due to the absence of legal representation. He continues to be under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Correction. During the brief court session, Judge Gull shared that Baldwin and Rozzi indicated Allen’s financial status remains unchanged, qualifying him for a court-appointed attorney. However, they have opted out of representing him further. The judge has instructed the departing attorneys to hand over all discovery evidence to the state, which will retain it until Allen secures new representation. While Judge Gull expressed hope that the former attorneys would support the incoming defense team, she acknowledged they aren’t mandated to assist. Despite the unfolding events, the previously scheduled hearing for Oct. 31 will proceed as planned. However, Judge Gull anticipates potential delays to the original trial date of Jan. 8, 2024, given the extensive preparation needed for a case of this scale. While rumors of evidence leaks from Baldwin and Rozzi’s team have been circulating, these allegations weren’t addressed during the Thursday session. Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland, when approached for comments, stated that official remarks would be reserved for the Oct. 31 hearing. It’s worth noting that this session was the first time cameras were permitted inside the courtroom for this case. Although live broadcasting was not authorized, media outlets could relay the proceedings after a 30-minute delay.

Twist of Fate: New Charges Filed in Infamous Delphi Murders Case

Twist of Fate: New Charges Filed in Infamous Delphi Murders Case

The long-awaited trial for the heinous Delphi murders has taken an unexpected twist. Prosecutors in Indiana have filed new charges, including murder, against the prime suspect, Richard Matthew Allen. The accused killer, who allegedly took the lives of 14-year-old Libby German and 13-year-old Abby Williams during a fateful hike near their hometown in 2017, now faces an even graver legal battle. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland, determined to bring justice to the victims and their families, filed the new felony kidnapping and murder charges against Allen on Thursday. This move aims to align the charging information with the cause’s discovery and probable cause affidavit, providing a more accurate representation of the case. If proven that Allen kidnapped or attempted to kidnap the girls, he can be held accountable for the murders, even if he wasn’t the actual killer. The Indiana Supreme Court is yet to rule on the motion, but the filing coincided with other significant developments in the case. On the same day, the court heard arguments regarding the reinstatement of Allen’s original court-appointed attorneys, Andrew Baldwin and Brad Rozzi. The defense had petitioned for their return, but the Supreme Court denied the request. Additionally, the defense’s attempts to remove Judge Fran Gull from the trial and expedite the proceedings within 70 days were also rejected. Baldwin and Rozzi had withdrawn from the case in October 2023 after a leak of court documents, including gruesome crime scene photographs, from Baldwin’s office. Judge Gull had issued a gag order in December 2022 due to the intense national interest in the murders, extending it to all involved parties, including the girls’ family members. The trial, initially scheduled for January 2024, was derailed by the attorneys’ sudden withdrawal. Their departure came just a month after unveiling a bizarre defense claim that the girls were “ritualistically sacrificed” by a racist pagan cult, absolving their client of guilt. However, earlier court documents revealed that Allen had allegedly confessed multiple times to the murders during prison phone calls to his wife and mother. The defense now alleges that their client was “monitored, intimidated, and mentally abused” by corrections officers at Westville Correctional Facility, who were members of the same cult they claim were the true culprits. The Delphi murders have haunted the small city of Delphi, with a population of approximately 3,000, since the girls’ bodies were discovered on February 14, 2017. The eighth-graders had documented their walk on Snapchat, and chilling grainy footage from German’s phone captured a man walking on a bridge near the last place they were seen. Analysis of a .40-caliber round found between the victims’ bodies linked it to a gun owned by Allen, leading to his initial arrest. Now facing four counts of murder, Allen will only be sentenced on two murder counts if found guilty. Each murder charge carries a possible sentence of 45 to 65 years in prison. Additionally, if convicted of kidnapping, he could face an additional three to 16 years behind bars, according to Indiana law. Allen has pleaded not guilty to the original two murder charges. As the trial date looms, set for October 2024, the new charges have injected fresh uncertainty into the proceedings. Will the additional charges alter the course of justice, or will they merely reinforce the prosecution’s case against Allen? Only time will reveal the answers, as the Delphi community and the nation eagerly await the resolution of this tragic and perplexing case.

Delphi Murders Case: Judge Gull Faces Crucial Deadline Amid Legal Challenges and Health Concerns

Delphi Murders Case: Judge Gull Faces Crucial Deadline Amid Legal Challenges and Health Concerns

Allen County Superior Judge Fran Gull, appointed to preside over the trial of Richard Allen, the suspect in the 2017 Delphi murders, confronts a significant deadline the Monday following Thanksgiving. In late October, Allen’s attorneys requested the Indiana Supreme Court to remove Judge Gull from the case, citing potential violations of Allen’s constitutional rights and his right to a speedy trial under Indiana law. This legal motion came in the wake of Judge Gull’s appointment to the case, aimed at ensuring stability following the highly-publicized arrest of Allen, five and a half years after the discovery of Abby Williams and Libby German’s bodies, who were found stabbed in a wooded area near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi. The original defense team experienced friction with Judge Gull, acknowledging their “zealous” defense approach and admitting to a few inadvertent evidence leaks, including one confirmed in September. This leak involved the distribution of crime scene photographs to social media, leading to the suicide of one individual involved in the leak. Recently released transcripts revealed Judge Gull’s intent to remove the defense team before her October announcement, where it was stated that the lawyers had “voluntarily withdrawn from the case.” Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rozzi, who had been Allen’s co-counsels since November 14, 2022, were removed in October. A transcript of a confidential meeting held in Judge Gull’s chambers before the October 19 hearing was made public last Monday. This release followed Rozzi’s plea to the state’s highest court, alleging that Judge Gull had “ambushed” and “coerced” him and Baldwin to withdraw during this private meeting. The complexity of the case led the state’s Supreme Court to extend Judge Gull’s deadline to respond to the petition to November 27. This extension was also due to Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office declining to represent Judge Gull in this matter. Rozzi and Baldwin are actively seeking to be reinstated as Allen’s counsel and are petitioning for Judge Gull’s removal and for the trial to occur within 70 days. Meanwhile, Judge Gull has appointed a new defense team for Allen and rescheduled the trial from January 2024 to October 2024. Additionally, a Westfield man, Mitchell Westerman, 41, faces charges for allegedly leaking sensitive crime scene photos related to the Delphi murders online. Amidst these developments, FOX59/CBS4 reported that Judge Gull had been dealing with health issues, including hospitalizations, and had been working from home following treatment for an urgent medical condition. She consulted a doctor on November 2, after feeling unwell for several days, having met with the Delphi case attorneys two days prior. Other Allen County judges have been assisting with Judge Gull’s caseload during her absence, and she is expected to return to office soon. There has been no indication that her health concerns will impact the upcoming deadline for filings with the Indiana Supreme Court.

Judge’s Hospitalization Raises Questions in Delphi, Indiana Double Murders Case

Judge’s Hospitalization Raises Questions in Delphi, Indiana Double Murders Case

Judge Frankel, who is overseeing the Delphi double murders case involving Richard Allen, has been in and out of the hospital for several weeks. This development has raised questions about whether she should continue presiding over the high-profile case. Court officials have confirmed that Judge Frankel was hospitalized on November 2nd due to an urgent medical condition, just two days after Allen’s last court appearance. Allen is charged with the murders of Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017. Following her hospitalization, Judge Frankel has been working from home and her court calendar has been handled by other judges. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January. It remains unclear how or if the judge’s absence will impact the pending Delphi trial. In addition to the judge’s hospitalization, there has been legal back-and-forth in the Delphi case, including a dispute between the judge and Allen’s original defense team. Legal experts have expressed concerns that the infighting and explosive allegations in the case could hinder the pursuit of justice for both Richard Allen and the victims, Abby and Libby. The Delphi double murders case has been marked by highly unusual events since Allen’s arrest over a year ago. Experts emphasize that the ongoing saga between Allen’s original defense team and the judge, along with other developments, have further complicated the pursuit of justice in this case.  

Judge in Delphi Murders Case Faces Allegations of Withholding Case Records

Judge in Delphi Murders Case Faces Allegations of Withholding Case Records

Judge Francis Gull, presiding over the Delphi murders case, is defending herself against allegations that she improperly withheld important case records from the public. Attorneys for Richard Allen, the defendant in the case, have filed a 20-page response to the Indiana Supreme Court, claiming that Judge Gull has not released over 100 court documents related to the Delphi murders on the state public access website. In response to the allegations, Judge Gull stated that she had already ordered nearly all the records to be posted in the electronic case file, which is available to the public. Today, some court documents dating back to June in the Delphi case became available for the first time. Among the newly released documents are letters written by an inmate at the Westville Correctional Facility, who claims to have been housed in a cell above Richard Allen. The inmate alleges witnessing Allen being abused and mistreated by correctional officials. This inmate was scheduled to testify at a hearing in June but refused to come out of his cell and travel to Carroll County, fearing mistreatment if he testified. Richard Allen is currently charged with the 2017 killings of Abby Williams and Libby German. His trial is scheduled for October.

Indiana Supreme Court Urged to Reject Petition for Removal of Judge in Delphi Murders Trial

Indiana Supreme Court Urged to Reject Petition for Removal of Judge in Delphi Murders Trial

In the ongoing legal proceedings of the Delphi murders trial, Judge Fran Gull and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita have urged the Indiana Supreme Court to dismiss a petition seeking Gull’s removal from the case. The petition, a writ of mandamus, also calls for the reinstatement of Richard Allen’s original defense team, Bradley Rozzi and Andrew Baldwin. Allen is accused of the murders in the widely-followed Delphi case. Both Gull and Rokita have labeled the petition as “improper,” stating that Allen should have sought relief through an appeal if he believed Judge Gull had abused her authority by removing his defense attorneys. In his submission, Rokita emphasized that the use of a writ of mandamus to reinstate legal counsel is inappropriate, arguing that the appellate process is the preferred method for such issues. Allen had not appealed the decision to remove his counsel nor filed a motion to disqualify, despite having opportunities to do so, according to Rokita. Gull reiterated this viewpoint in her response, citing a court ruling that describes writs as a shortcut to an appeal, which is not permissible. The core issue prompting the writ was Gull’s decision to remove Allen’s original defense team due to “gross negligence.” This decision followed an incident where confidential case materials, specifically crime scene photos, were leaked, leading to the arrest of Mitchell Westerman, a former colleague of Baldwin. Gull concluded that Baldwin and Rozzi committed multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct and compromised Allen’s defense. Both Gull and Rokita refuted Allen’s claim that his Sixth Amendment rights were infringed upon by the removal of his defense team. They argued that while the amendment guarantees representation, it does not entitle a defendant to choose their appointed counsel. Circumstances like “gross incompetence” may necessitate court intervention in a defendant’s choice of counsel. Gull provided further evidence of Baldwin and Rozzi’s alleged incompetence, including mishandling confidential information, providing false information to the court, and making inappropriate media statements. During an October 19 meeting, Rozzi and Baldwin claimed they were pressured into withdrawing from the case by Gull. However, Rokita stated that Gull had listed the reasons for considering their disqualification and given them an opportunity to argue against these allegations, which they did not take. Gull emphasized that she had given Baldwin and Rozzi ample notice about potential disqualification and that their withdrawal rather than challenging the factual allegations supported her decision. She also expressed her intention to ensure that Allen received competent representation, countering claims of bias against him. In their conclusions, both Gull and Rokita requested the Indiana Supreme Court to deny the writ filed on behalf of Allen. If the court agrees, the trial is expected to proceed in late 2024 with Allen represented by a new set of attorneys.

Potential Leak of Text and Phone Records Threatens 2024 Trial in Delphi Murder Case

Potential Leak of Text and Phone Records Threatens 2024 Trial in Delphi Murder Case

A potential evidence leak concerning the 2017 murders of Abby Williams and Libby German in Delphi, Indiana could complicate the 2024 trial of accused killer, Richard Allen. This development, as uncovered by “The Murder Sheet” podcast and subsequently confirmed by FOX59, revolves around the alleged dissemination of sensitive crime scene details on social media. Special Judge Fran Gull of Allen County recently scheduled a hearing for October 19 to discuss these emerging issues, hinting at the potential disclosure of Delphi crime scene evidence items across social media channels. It’s noteworthy that Richard Allen was only arrested and charged with the said crimes a year ago. Previously, Judge Gull imposed a gag order on all parties after Allen’s attorneys, Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rozzi, criticized the case against their client in a press release. The order intended to confine the debate of Allen’s guilt to the courtroom. However, an inadvertent evidence leak appeared on social media this past spring. Baldwin and Rozzi accepted responsibility, leading to a judicial admonishment about guarding the State’s discovery documents. Additionally, recent defense filings accusing the State of withholding evidence and misleading the original judge met with sharp criticism from Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland. Recently, discussions on social media have indicated intimate knowledge of the defense’s strategy and evidence. Podcasters Kevin Greenlee and Áine Cain, of “The Murder Sheet”, were informed of these evidentiary items on October 5. Subsequent investigations revealed that one of the persons involved in the leak had professional ties with Baldwin. A review of Facebook messages indicated discussions about the leaked information, including references to the defense obtaining phone records and other claims that might be beneficial for Allen’s case. Greenlee and Cain shared that they deleted the files after discussing their findings with Indiana State Police, urging social media users to refrain from sharing or elaborating on the evidence. Indiana State Police initiated their probe into the leak last week. Interestingly, a person implicated in the social media discussions about the leak passed away unexpectedly after the investigation began. Attempts to solicit comments from Allen’s defense have been unsuccessful due to the existing gag order. Legal experts posit that the magnitude of this leak, considering Judge Gull’s previous directives, might prompt a court warning or even a dismissal and reappointment of Allen’s defense team, likely postponing his January 8, 2024, trial. Judge Gull remains undecided on requests for media camera presence during the trial and a motion by the defense to invalidate the search warrant executed on Allen’s residence last year, where investigators reportedly discovered a firearm linked to the crime scene.