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.
Defense Attorneys Claim White Nationalist Group Responsible for Delphi Murders
Defense attorneys for Richard Allen, the man charged with the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017, have filed documents claiming that members of a white nationalist group are responsible for the girls’ deaths. Attorneys Andrew Baldwin and Brad Rozzi submitted a 136-page document alleging that Abby, 13, and Libby, 14, were killed by Odinists, a pagan Norse religion and white nationalist group. According to the defense’s filing, two groups of Odinists, one from the Delphi area and one from Rushville, Indiana, were investigated for their potential involvement in the crimes. However, the defense claims they were never informed about these investigations or the related documents. The defense also asserts that investigators discovered multiple ritualistic symbols at the crime scene, including the positioning of Libby’s body. The defense argues that the Odinist group had a motive to kill the girls due to one of their parents dating someone of another race. Additionally, the defense outlines 92 reasons why they believe the murders of Libby and Abby could not have been committed by a single person. Based on the facts presented in their filing, the defense claims that the search warrant served on Allen’s property was “defective.” They have requested a Franks hearing, alleging that a detective involved in the investigation lied to obtain the search warrant. If the court determines that the warrant was obtained unlawfully, any evidence obtained from the search would be inadmissible. Furthermore, the defense has requested the immediate transfer of Allen from the Westville Correctional Facility, citing threats to his life from members of the Odinist group who allegedly work within the facility. The defense claims to have observed “In Odin We Trust” patches on prison workers’ uniforms. They also state that Allen mentioned threats from “Odinites” during one of their interviews, which they had not previously discussed with him. The court will now review the defense’s filings and consider their requests for a Franks hearing and Allen’s transfer from the correctional facility.
Attorneys for Defendant Richard Allen Seek Judge’s Removal in Delphi Murders Case
Attorneys representing Richard Allen, the defendant in the Delphi murders case, have filed a request with the Indiana Supreme Court to have Judge Fral removed from the case. They allege that the judge has withheld important case documents from the public and have asked the high court to intervene. In response, Judge Fral stated that she has not improperly withheld any court documents and has already ordered their public posting. Allen’s attorneys argue that most of the records in question are still not available online and claim that the judge has misunderstood and misapplied rules regarding court records. They further assert that the judge ordered the Carroll County Clerk to violate these rules and then blamed the clerk for the resulting issues. Allen’s attorneys are urging the Supreme Court to intervene and rectify these alleged violations. The court’s ruling on the matter is pending.
Delphi Murders Case: Turmoil and Drama Over Defense Team
The Carroll Circuit Court in Delphi was the epicenter of tension during the latest hearing for accused killer Richard Allen. Scheduled to introduce Allen to his new defense team and establish a trial date, the courtroom instead experienced an unexpected dramatic confrontation with the previous defense. Minutes before the hearing’s commencement, defense attorneys Bradley Rozzi and Andrew Baldwin made an unforeseen entrance, instantly reclaiming their positions despite prior disagreements with Judge Gull. Among the audience were law enforcement, media, and the grieving families of Abby Williams and Libby German, who Allen is accused of murdering in 2017 near the Monon High Bridge. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland immediately withdrew from the courtroom, only to reappear and talk with a nearby sheriff’s deputy. Attorney David Hennessy, representative for the original defense team, was also present, occasionally conferring with Baldwin and Rozzi. The courtroom’s tension escalated with the entry of the replacement defense co-counsels, Robert Scremin and William Lebrato. Minutes later, Judge Gull officially commenced the hearing, soon followed by Allen’s entry. The defendant, more robust and engaged than his last appearance, silently took his place. Judge Gull and the defense attorneys engaged in a charged exchange. Rozzi and Baldwin, anticipated to be removed from the case, had proactively filed Notices of Appearance on Monday, signaling their intent to represent Allen without charge. The attorneys’ move was directly against Judge Gull’s prior insistence on their withdrawal, based on accusations of “gross negligence”. Today’s exchange had Rozzi defending their actions as “strategic” for safeguarding Allen’s rights. He insisted that the new public defenders yield to the original defense. Judge Gull remained firm on her previous stance, challenging Rozzi and Baldwin’s return. Prosecutor McLeland emphasized the original team’s supposed “gross negligence”, referencing alleged mishandlings, including evidence leaks and publicizing misleading defense arguments. His strong assertion was that the original defense team was more focused on media representation than legal procedure. Judge Gull directly addressed Allen about the courtroom controversy, explaining her concerns. Regardless of Allen’s desires, Judge Gull insisted that Lobrato and Scremin would be his new representatives. She then postponed the trial, previously scheduled for January 8, 2024, and established a new trial date on October 15, 2024. The hearing spotlight then shifted to Hennessy. He fervently defended the original defense team, challenging the judge’s swift dismissals without proper hearing, and labeling their defense strategies as “zealous” and “good lawyering”. The judge, however, remained undeterred by the arguments, emphasizing the central issue: the attorneys’ dismissal, not their defense strategy. FOX59/CBS4 has initiated an Open Records Act request, aiming to access audio recordings of the private discussions that culminated in the defense team’s dismissal. Outside the courtroom, the sole individual to address the media was Baldwin, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism, presumably urging further investigation into Judge Gull’s decisions. In a developing twist, a group of unaffiliated attorneys have submitted a Writ of Mandamus to the Indiana Supreme Court, requesting a review of Judge Gull’s conduct, especially concerning public document access. All involved parties are expected to submit briefings by November 9.