INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The special judge presiding over the Delphi murders case has recently been elected to a new role in the Allen County Superior Court. Judge Frances Gull has been appointed as the Superior Court Chief Judge, commencing a two-year term starting on January 1, 2024. In this capacity, Judge Gull will take on leadership and administrative responsibilities, including overseeing Board of Judges’ meetings and signing the Court’s annual budget. She will also represent Allen County on the Judicial Conference of Indiana Board of Directors.
The appointment of Judge Gull as Superior Court Chief Judge comes at a crucial time for the courts in Indiana, as they continue to grapple with busy schedules and an increased caseload. Judge Gull expressed her commitment to leveraging innovation, compassion, and respect for the law to address the challenges faced by the Allen Superior Court, emphasizing the opportunity to create a positive impact by helping people, restoring lives, and combating substance abuse and crime.
Notably, Judge Gull was previously appointed as the special judge for the Delphi murders trial, a case that has garnered significant attention and public interest. This high-profile case involves the arrest of Richard Allen for the 2017 murders of 13-year-old Abigail “Abby” Williams and 14-year-old Liberty “Libby” German near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi. Allen has maintained his innocence since his arrest and has sought to reinstate his original defense lawyers while also requesting the removal of Judge Gull from his trial. These developments have led to legal battles and appeals, leading to the Indiana Supreme Court’s decision to hear oral arguments regarding the case on January 18th, 2024.
Amidst the legal proceedings, Judge Gull has ordered the removal of certain defense attorneys from Allen’s legal team, citing “gross negligence.” This decision has sparked allegations of bias against Judge Gull, with Allen’s attorneys seeking her replacement. As these complex legal matters unfold, uncertainty looms over the potential impact of Judge Gull’s new role as Superior Court Chief Judge on the ongoing Delphi case.
The election of Judge Frances Gull as the Superior Court Chief Judge in Allen County marks a significant development in the judicial landscape, particularly in light of her involvement in the high-profile Delphi murders trial. The legal proceedings surrounding the case, including the appeals and requests for judicial changes, continue to unfold, with the Indiana Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing set to shed light on the next steps in this complex and emotionally charged case.