Judge to Weigh Blocking Police Sketches – Crime Online
The jury for Richard Allen’s double murder trial is set to be sworn in today, while a Carroll County judge is expected to make a decision on whether police sketches will be allowed.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 12 jurors and four alternates were chosen earlier this week for Allen’s murder trial in Delphi.
Allen is accused of killing Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14, in February 2017. His arrest came in October 2022.
Prosecutors will present a motion to Special Judge Frances Gull to prevent the jury from viewing two police sketches that circulated before Richard Allen’s arrest, according to WISH TV.
Previous Video Coverage
Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland seeks to exclude the sketches from evidence and any trial references. He argued
“A composite sketch is not relevant, admission would result in undue prejudice, confuse or mislead the jury, or is impermissible hearsay,” Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said.
“And the witnesses who participated in the preparation of composite sketch(s) will not be presented by the state for the purpose of in-court identification of the defendant.”
The hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning at the Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne.
This afternoon, Judge Gull is expected to go to Carroll County to swear in the jury. The trial is expected to start Friday morning at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Abby and Libby/Handout]