Richard Allen, a man charged in the 2017 killings of two teenage girls in Indiana, had his murder trial delayed until October due to concerns raised by his attorneys about inadequate time to present their case. The trial was originally set to begin next week with jury selection scheduled for May 13 to May 31 in Carroll County. However, Special Judge Frances Gull set the new trial date for October 14 through November 15. This decision follows a previous delay from October to May after Allen’s attorneys requested an earlier trial date.
Allen, 51, who was living and working in the Delphi area, was arrested in October 2022 and charged with the murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. In March, Judge Gull approved two additional murder charges against Allen. The two teenagers were last seen on February 13, 2017, at a hiking trail near Delphi, about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis. They were reported missing that evening and their bodies were found the next day in a wooded area near the trail.
The killings of Abigail Williams and Liberty German have deeply impacted the community of Delphi, a small city with a population of about 3,000. The case has garnered significant attention both in the state of Indiana and nationwide. In December 2022, Judge Gull issued a gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement officials, court personnel, the coroner, and the girls’ family members from commenting on the case to the public or media, including social media. The order was requested by prosecutors due to the intense public scrutiny and media coverage of the case. Judge Gull was assigned as a special judge for the case after a judge in Carroll County recused himself.
The delay in Richard Allen’s murder trial has raised concerns about justice being served for the victims and their families. The continued postponement of the trial has prolonged the emotional toll on the community of Delphi and kept the case in the public spotlight. As the trial is now rescheduled for October, there is hope for a fair and thorough presentation of evidence by both the prosecution and defense. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by those who have followed the case closely over the years since the tragic deaths of Abigail and Liberty.
The defense team for Richard Allen has emphasized the need for adequate time to prepare their case and present it effectively during the trial. They have voiced concerns about not having been granted enough time to fully address the allegations against Allen and present a robust defense. The delay in the trial allows for additional time for the defense to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong legal strategy. Despite the challenges posed by the postponement, both sides are committed to ensuring a fair and just legal process for all parties involved in the case. The upcoming trial in October will be a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for Abigail Williams and Liberty German.
The case of the Delphi murders remains an unresolved tragedy that has left a lasting impact on the community and drawn widespread attention. The rescheduled trial of Richard Allen will be a significant milestone in the legal proceedings surrounding the deaths of Abigail Williams and Liberty German. As the trial date approaches, anticipation and scrutiny will mount as the prosecution and defense prepare to present their respective arguments. The outcome of the trial will determine the accountability for the heinous crimes and provide closure for the families and community affected by the tragic loss of the two teenage girls.
