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Judge Fran Gull announced on Thursday that attorneys representing the Delphi murder suspect, Richard Allen, have withdrawn from the case.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.
