Delphi Murders Defense Team Steps Down After Alleged Photo Leak
The defense team representing Richard Allen, the suspect in the Delphi murders, withdrew from the case due to allegations that leaked crime scene photos came from one of the attorney’s associates.
These disturbing images were shared through text messages and on social media. They depicted the crime scene in the wooded area near the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana. It’s the place where Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, were tragically murdered after they vanished during a hike on February 13, 2017.
A Sudden Turn of Events
Carroll County Judge Fran Gull addressed the surprising development during a recorded hearing, stating, “We’ve had an unexpected turn of events, ladies and gentlemen. Earlier this afternoon, the defense attorneys have withdrawn their representation of Mr. Allen.”
As a result, Mr. Allen is entitled to new legal counsel, and he was sent back to the Westville Correctional Facility. The defense team, consisting of Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rozzi, agreed to cooperate with their successors, as directed by Judge Gull.
The Legal Twist
Baldwin’s attorney, David Hennessy, clarified that the defense attorneys did not voluntarily quit the case but instead withdrew due to what he referred to as “coercive circumstances.” According to Hennessy, the attorneys had developed a strong and trusting bond with Allen prior to their withdrawal.
Hennessy argued that disqualifying Baldwin from representing Allen would harm his right to counsel and hinder a timely trial. He stressed that disqualifying counsel is an extreme measure usually reserved for conflicts of interest. In this case, the issue arose due to individuals outside the attorney’s office unlawfully obtaining and disseminating information.
Background on Richard Allen
Richard Allen was arrested in October 2022 for the 2017 murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams. Prosecutors assert that evidence from the crime scene links back to Allen’s home, and he reportedly confessed to the crimes during phone calls from jail.
Controversial Defense Claim
Allen’s defense has alleged that the girls’ deaths were part of a ritualistic sacrifice performed by members of a pagan Odinist cult in Indiana. They argued that certain items at the crime scene were arranged in patterns specific to Odinism. However, prosecutors dismissed these claims as “colorful” and “unprofessional.”
The Investigation
The investigation into the Delphi murders has been marked by controversy and a lack of public disclosure due to a gag order. The next hearing in Allen’s case is scheduled for later this month.
Inquiries made to Baldwin and Rozzi’s office remained unanswered.
[Note: In the original article, the author’s contact information was included, but for simplicity, we have excluded it from this rewritten version.]