Delphi murder suspect files motion to use public funds to hire a private investigator
Attorneys for Richard Allen, the Delphi murders suspect, either have hired a private investigator, or will hire one soon.
Allen's attorneys filed an ex parte motion Wednesday for authorization to receive public funds to hire a private investigator to look into the allegations that Allen killed Libby German and Abby Williams on Feb. 13, 2017.
Police arrested Allen on Oct. 28, after prosecutors charged him with two counts of murder.
Previously:Delphi murders judge says she will not tolerate leaks in Richard Allen defense hearings
He is accused of forcing Libby and Abby off of the trail at the Monon High Bridge on that unusually warm winter day, and leading them to a spot east of the bridge, where prosecutors say he killed the teenagers.
The girls' bodies were found late the next morning after a search by community members, police and firefighters.
Details of ex parte motions sealed
The motion for funds is the first ex parte motion filed by Allen's defense.
As per Judge Frances Gull order, the details of the ex parte motions and her rulings on the matters are sealed, and anyone who leaks the details of the sealed motions or rulings faces a contempt of court order.
Allen's attorneys asked for the closed motions and hearings to exclude even the Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland so as to protect the defense's strategy.
Delphi murders investigation Review the case through 5 years of reporting
Gull agreed earlier this month and barred McLeland, his staff and the public from seeing the ex parte court documents.
Allen, who has requested a change of venue, has hearings scheduled Jan. 13 and Feb. 17.
His trial is scheduled for the week beginning March 20. But those dates are likely to change.
Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Delphi murder suspect files motion to fund private investigator
