DELPHI — The man accused of murdering Delphi teens Libby German and Abby Williams has requested a public defender to represent him.
In a letter to the court, Richard Allen wrote that he is "throw(ing) (himself) at the mercy of the court," adding, "I am begging to be provided with legal assistance in a public defender or whatever help is available."
The letter states that Allen indicated at an Oct. 28 initial hearing that he would hire private counsel. It adds, "However, at the time I had no clue how expensive it would be just to talk to someone."
It goes on to mention specifics about his and his wife's financial situation and fear for safety following his recent arrest.
The full document can be viewed below:
It follows a motion filed Thursday by Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby requesting to transfer Allen from their custody to the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections for "safekeeping", according to online court records.
Judge Benjamin A. Diener approved the order the same day, stating in his motion that the court finds Allen "is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, or represents a substantial threat to the safety of others."
The order goes on to state:
"The public's blood lust for information, before it exists, is extremely dangerous. ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS administering this action do not feel safe and are not protected."
The order went on to state that the public's desire to learn about the case and access court records was "inherently disruptive" to court operations.
It is unclear when the transfer will take place or where Allen will be relocated to.
Within hours of approving and submitting the order for Allen's transfer, Diener recused himself from the case.
No information was provided as to why he submitted his recusal.
Allen was charged with two counts of murder on Oct. 28 in connection with the 2017 deaths of Libby German and Abby Williams.
Following Allen's initial court hearing on Friday, Diener had ordered all documents, including the probable cause affidavit, sealed in the case against him.
Allen is scheduled to go on trial starting March 20, 2023.
-
Diego Morales ‘confident’ he will be renominated after Banks, Rokita pull endorsements
IMPD urges parents to know kids’ whereabouts after 17-year-old fatally shot
From deadly shootings to a string of overnight crimes, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reports both cases raise the same question: Do parents know where their kids are?
IMS Museum staff puts on finishing touches for historic car lap
Eleven cars will take part in the historic car lap ahead of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday morning. Nine of them are race-winning cars.
Indiana AG investigates fuel retailers accused of price gouging
More than 170 consumer complaints for gas price gouging, along with the state’s own monitoring, have led to more than 30 formal investigations and 100 additional inquiries into Indiana retailers.
