Richard Allen’s defence lawyers insist that their client is innocent, but the prosecution says they have a “very solid case” against Richard Allen. In order to determine whether court records associated with the case would remain sealed, both sides appeared in court on Tuesday.
The probable cause affidavit, if made public, would allegedly raise “more questions than answers” about the case, according to defence attorney Andrew Baldwin. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland—who pushed for those records to be kept confidential—said that his office had confidence in its case regardless of the court’s ruling.
Here’s McLeland’s statement:
The Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office appreciates the Judge hearing our arguments yesterday morning and looks forward to her ruling. As I stated in court yesterday, we strongly believe the evidence shows Richard Allen was involved in the murder of Libby and Abby. Because the investigation is ongoing and given the intense public interest in the case, we think it would be best if the documents remain sealed. Regardless of the ruling, we believe we have a very solid case against Mr. Allen and look forward to making our argument in trial.
The public must take McLeland at his word for the time being, as the documents remain under seal while Judge Fran Gull mulls over whether to release the full probable cause affidavit or a redacted version. She may opt to keep these files secret as well.
On October 31st, the Indiana State Police made public the arrest of Allen. Police and prosecutors haven’t explained how Allen is related to the case, despite the fact that he’s facing two counts of murder.
McLeland stated in court on Tuesday, “There is good reason to believe Allen is not the only one involved.”
The bodies of hikers Abby Williams and Libby German were discovered on February 14, 2017—a day after they had been reported missing. Some of the evidence that has been made public so far includes two sketches, a grainy photo of the killer, and an audio recording of a man saying “down the hill.”
Even though people were interested in the murders, the investigation seemed to be at a standstill until ISP announced Allen’s arrest more than five years later. One of Allen’s lawyers, Baldwin, said that he and attorney Brad Rozzi were sure that their client was innocent and were glad that the court documents had been made public.
“That’s how confident we are in our client,” Baldwin said on Tuesday. That’s how sure we are that the information in the probable cause affidavit doesn’t warrant any concern. After reviewing the charging documents, both defence attorneys agreed that McLeland’s claim that others may be involved was “news to us.”
Allen is currently being held in a state facility without bond. After hearing arguments from Allen’s legal team, Judge Gull set the bail hearing for February 17, 2023.
Read More
- Sahvir Wheeler: Kentucky’s Sahvir Wheeler Debuts Against Duquesne!
- Taylor Swift Announces 2nd Denver Stadium Concert: Tour Includes 17 Stadium!
- Gallagher Died At 76: How Did He Die & What Was The Cause Of His Death?