DELPHI, Ind.–The case is special, said Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland, in a Monday press conference about the arrest of Richard Allen, 50, of Delphi, for the murders of Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017. McLeland said the probable cause and charging documents are sealed for now to protect the integrity of the case.
He said a public hearing would be held to determine if they remain sealed.
“I know from everybody it’s frustrating,” said McLeland. “I know not only reporters but the family, everybody wants to know more information. I understand it’s frustrating. My goal is to maintain the integrity of this case.”
McLeland acknowledged that having the charging and probable cause documents sealed is unusual, saying it’s not done often in Carroll County.
“We did it in this case because the investigation is still open. While all cases are important, the nature of this case has some extra scrutiny with it.”
But, the public doers have legal recourse. McLeland said there will be a hearing on whether those records can remain sealed. He said the public would be allowed to attend. He did not provide a time or a timeline for the hearing. McLeland explained that he and the people in his office asked for the judge to seal the records.
“To me it’s about protecting the integrity of this case. I want to have an opportunity at some point to have an opportunity in court to explain the evidence and for that not to be tarnished or tainted or anything like that,” he said. “I think a llot of the members of the public said it right. It’s bittersweet.”
When asked about his reaction to a five plus year, world-wide investigation leading to someone who lived just down the road from the girls, McLeland said, “It is concerning that it’s a local guy.”
He called the arrest a step in the right direction, yet another signal that the arrest of Allen is not the terminus of the case.
