As the sentencing for Richard Allen approaches tomorrow, his defense team makes it clear there will be minimal participation on their end as they set sights firmly on an appeal. Allen, convicted for the 2017 killing of teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German near Delphi, continues to declare his innocence through his lawyers who are asking for what they deem an "appropriate" sentencing. "Richard Allen maintains his innocence and is hopeful that the appellate process will provide him with an opportunity to present a full defense at a second trial," as WRTV reports.
Allen's refusal to cooperate with state actors is rooted in a belief shared by his legal counsel that such interactions could only further compromise his stance, especially should a re-trial be granted. In a defense memorandum released this week, as highlighted by FOX59, they underscore that "the practical reality is that unless this matter is reversed and retried, Richard Allen is likely facing the rest of his life in prison." Given the severity of this fate, the defense advised Allen to avoid participating in the pre-sentence process.
Throughout Allen's legal ordeal, his defense team has consistently pointed out incidents they claim have negatively influenced his case, including his time in solitary confinement and his interactions with a prison psychologist, who is accused of discussing confidential details about the case with Allen. These claims are among several factors cited by the defense in justifying their client’s lack of cooperation with state actors ahead of sentencing, as mentioned in a memorandum that came to light through JConline.
The defense is also challenging the convictions handed down by the jury, arguing that sentencing Allen for both murder and felony murder on each victim constitutes double jeopardy. They are asking for the felony murder convictions to be vacated, with the memorandum stating, "The jury found Allen guilty of murder and felony murder for both victims, totaling four counts. Allen’s team said they believe the court can only enter a judgment 'solely on the murder conviction'," as recorded by FOX59. If the court sides with the defense on this matter, Allen would be sentenced only on the two murder convictions.
Richard Allen's sentencing hearing will take place at 9 a.m. tomorrow in Delphi, where the full implications of his defense team’s latest arguments will be more clearly understood.
