Early day in Delphi. Hearing this morning for Richard Allen, accused in the 2017 murders of Abby Williams and Libby German.
Takeaways from this morning’s hearing for Richard Allen, accused in the 2017 murders of Delphi teens Abby Williams and Libby German: Judge Fran Gull extends gag order for attys, families, witnesses in the case. 1/
On Richard Allen’s hearing: Trial will stay in Carroll Co., with a jury selected from another county. Judge gave attorneys on both sides time to select a county they agreed might work. Both sides agreed that it would be impossible to get a jury from Carroll Co. 2/
Judge encourages prosecutor, defense to continue to share discovery in the case, rather than rule on Allen’s atty motion to turn over loads of specific evidence. Judge says both sides seem to be working well, so far, without her ruling on the motion today. 3/
After that, Judge cleared courtroom of prosecution, family, media and more to hold a closed door request from the defense. Richard Allen, looking thinner than in November, was escorted into the courtroom in a yellow jumpsuit, black protective vest and shackles. 4/
Abby and Libby’s families took two rows of seats in the courtroom, all leaving the courthouse following the judge’s order for them to respect the gag order. Police presence in the courthouse in Delphi: Still major. More later at Based in Lafayette. 5/
Edited to include additional tweets.