The trial for Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen has hit another delay, now set for mid-October. In an Allen County courtroom on Tuesday, Special Judge Fran Gull granted the defense’s request to postpone the trial from its previously scheduled May 13 date. Originally, the defense had pushed for a speedy trial, prompting the earlier date.
The new trial window is slated for October 14 to November 15 in Carroll County. Additionally, three days of pretrial evidence hearings are scheduled for May 21 through May 23 in the same county.
Allen’s defense team cited insufficient time to prepare their case and argued they hadn’t been given ample opportunity to present their defense during the trial itself.
Allen faces four counts of murder in connection with the February 2017 deaths of Abby Williams and Libby German near the Monon High Bridge. His arrest in October 2022 sparked legal maneuvering between the prosecution and defense.
During the hearing, the defense once again called for Judge Gull to recuse herself from the case, alleging bias. However, Gull remained firm in her position, refusing to step down.
The defense has also accused police investigators of dishonesty and withholding crucial details, further complicating the legal proceedings.
Tuesday’s hearing, requested by Allen’s defense team, aimed to address concerns about the imbalance in witness and exhibit numbers between the prosecution and defense.
Allen, who had been housed at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, was transferred to Allen County Jail ahead of the hearing.
In a recent motion, the prosecution sought to prevent the defense from presenting an alternative murder theory involving a local pagan group, arguing it could confuse or prejudice the jury. They also moved to bar certain terms and names from being mentioned during the trial.
The back-and-forth between the defense and prosecution underscores the complexity and contentious nature of the case.
