DELPHI, Ind. – The legal battle surrounding the Delphi murders case in Indiana has taken a personal turn as the prosecutor seeks to hold the defense attorneys in contempt of court while the defense is asking the special judge to recuse herself from the case. The prosecution and the defense are engaged in a high-stakes showdown ahead of the scheduled jury trial of Richard Allen, the man accused in the murders of Libby German and Abby Williams in February 2017.
The case has become the center of attention not just for the murder trial but for the legal drama unfolding between the prosecution and the defense. The recent court filings have raised the stakes, with Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland filing a motion to hold defense attorneys Bradley Rozzi and Andrew Baldwin in contempt of court. McLeland alleges that the defense violated a gag order by issuing a press release proclaiming Allen’s innocence and by leaking crime scene photos to the public.
Additionally, a former employee of Baldwin’s law firm, Mitch Westerman, is facing a misdemeanor charge for his involvement in leaking evidence to the public. Westerman admitted to taking photos of evidence in Baldwin’s law office and sharing them on social media.
The prosecutor’s case for sanctions against the defense attorneys seems to be gaining traction, as legal experts believe that the allegations of violating the gag order and leaking evidence are serious matters that must be addressed by the court. If found in contempt, Rozzi and Baldwin could face reprimand, fines, or even jail time.
In response, the defense is asking the special judge, Frances Gull, to recuse herself from the case, alleging bias and prejudice. The defense claims that Gull’s accusations of “gross negligence” against Allen’s attorneys and her decision to force them to resign before being reinstated by the Indiana Supreme Court have compromised her impartiality. Should Gull choose not to recuse herself, the defense is expected to appeal the decision to the Indiana Supreme Court.
The legal showdown underscores the complexities and tensions surrounding the high-profile murder trial, with both the prosecution and the defense engaging in a battle that extends beyond the courtroom. As the trial date approaches, the outcome of the legal wrangling will undoubtedly impact the proceedings and the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Delphi murders.