Judge refuses defense request to step down from Delphi murders case
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The special judge hearing the Delphi murders case has refused the defense request that she step down from the trial.
Special Judge Frances Gull issued her decision Tuesday.
Gull rejected a request that she remove herself from the case of Richard Allen, specifically citing a unanimous Indiana Supreme Court decision leaving her on the case.
Allen, 51, of Delphi, was arrested on Oct. 28, 2022, for the February 2017 murders of 13-year-old Abigail “Abby” Williams and 14-year-old Liberty “Libby” German near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi.
His attorneys, Andrew Baldwin and Brad Rozzi, had asked that Gull be removed.
The defense argued that her rulings showed a bias against Allen and his defense team and that allowing her to remain on the case will raise serious questions as to whether Allen would get a fair trial.
Allen is due in court next week in Fort Wayne.
Gull stated previously that she plans to deal with two issues at the Feb. 12 hearing, including the prosecution’s request to add murder and kidnapping charges against Allen in the murders.
The judge is also expected to hear arguments on the prosecutors’ request to hold Baldwin and Rozzi in contempt of court.
Allen’s trial is currently set for October.