Status hearing Friday in Delphi murders case

CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. – Special Judge Fran Gull will preside over a two-part hearing in the Delphi murders case on Friday.

Richard Allen faces four counts of murder in connection with the February 2017 deaths of Abby Williams and Libby German near the Monon High Bridge. Indiana State Police announced his arrest in October 2022, more than five years after the girls’ deaths.

Friday’s hearing will be split into two parts. The first portion will be closed to the public, upon agreement by counsel, while the public, including media, will be able to observe the second portion.

According to an order from Gull, the court will call a recess when the closed portion is over and reconvene for the open session. No cameras are allowed in the courtroom and the use of electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, etc.) during the proceedings is strictly prohibited.

The case was at the center of marathon motions hearings on July 30, July 31 and Aug. 2.

Last week, Gull ruled on some outstanding motions. She denied a defense motion to dismiss the case after the defense argued the state erased some possibly exculpatory interview recordings.

Gull also denied a request from the defense seeking sanctions against the prosecution. Allen’s attorneys had accused the state of withholding or delaying the release of certain evidence during the discovery phase.

Earlier this month, Gull denied additional requests from the defense for a Franks hearing challenging the validity of evidence from search warrants in the case.

The case is scheduled to go to trial in October.

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