Richard Allen: Judge approves new charges against Delphi murders suspect in killing of Indiana girls

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

DELPHI, INDIANA: Richard Allen faces two additional murder counts following a judge's ruling on Monday, March 18, in the killings of two teenage girls.

However, the prosecutor's attempt to add kidnapping charges was rejected.

The murder of Abigail Williams and Liberty German

The new charges against Allen stem from the 2017 killings of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German. Allen, who was arrested in October 2022, had previously pleaded not guilty to the original murder charges.

The tragic events unfolded on February 13, 2017, when a relative dropped off the two teenagers at a hiking trail near Delphi. When they failed to arrive at their designated meeting place later that day, they were reported missing. Their bodies were discovered the following day in a rugged, wooded area near the trail.

The Delphi community, comprising about 3,000 residents, has been deeply affected by the murders. Allen's connection to the area, where he worked at a drugstore, has only intensified local interest in the case.

Amended charges align 'more accurately' with Delphi murders

Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland stated that the amended charges filed in January “more accurately aligns the charging information with the cause’s discovery and probable cause affidavit,” per AP.

Special Judge Fran Gull, overseeing the case, not only approved the new charges but also decreed that all future hearings will take place in Carroll County, except for jury selection scheduled for May 13. The case has garnered nationwide attention, with some hearings held in Fort Wayne, where Gull presides as an Allen Superior Court judge.

To mitigate intense public scrutiny and media attention, Judge Gull issued a gag order in December 2022, prohibiting various parties involved in the case from commenting publicly or through social media channels. The order was sought by prosecutors, and Gull was appointed as a special judge after a Carroll County judge recused himself from the case.