Judge issues order to allow cameras in Allen County courtroom for Delphi murders hearing

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - For the first time in the case, cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for a Thursday hearing in the Delphi double murder case.

The special judge appointed in the case, Judge Fran Gull of Allen County, issued an order on Tuesday to allow pool media coverage of Richard Allen’s upcoming hearing on Thursday, October 19.

CASE BACKGROUND: Indiana drugstore worker held in 2017 killings of teen girls - Judge releases court documents in Delphi murder case

Allen was arrested on Oct. 28, 2022, on two charges of murder in the 2017 killings of Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13. The two girls went missing while hiking on Feb. 13, 2017, before their bodies were found the next day.

“This case has generated substantial public interest and media attention,” the order reads. The judge goes on to say that to “ensure the integrity of the proceedings,” they will allow one or two media cameras in the courtroom for Thursday’s hearing at the Allen County Courthouse.

Court officials have ruled leaders with CourtTV will provide a video stream for other media outlets to use. They say outlets will then be allowed to broadcast the proceeding on a 30-minute delay.

RELATED: How potential evidence leak in Delphi Murders case could impact the trial

Judge Gull ordered this Thursday’s hearing in Fort Wayne to discuss “the upcoming hearing on October 31, 2023 and other matters which have recently arisen.”

The hearing is open to the public and members of the media, with a max capacity of 90. They say seats will only be reserved for family members, and everyone else will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. The courthouse opens for the day at 8 a.m. and Allen’s hearing is set for 2 p.m.

Court executives say they will have increased security that day, and everyone who enters the courthouse must go through its metal detection system.

21Alive will have a reporter at the courthouse on Thursday and will provide a live stream of the hearing online.

BACKGROUND: ‘Colorful, dramatic and highly unprofessional’ | Prosecutor responds to filing by Richard Allen’s legal team, defends 2022 search warrant, Attorneys for Delphi murders defendant ask judge to stop ‘drip, drip, drip’ of evidence

At the end of January, Judge Gull ruled that a jury be brought in from Allen County for Allen’s January trial but said she thinks it is “important” to try the case in Carroll County.

Allen’s 15-day jury trial is set to begin on January 8, 2024.

Copyright 2023 WPTA. All rights reserved.