The murder trial of an Indiana man, Richard Allen, accused of killing two teenage girls has been postponed until October.

The decision came after Allen’s attorneys expressed concerns about their ability to adequately prepare and present their case.

Originally scheduled for May, the trial has been rescheduled for October 14 through November 15 by Special Judge Frances Gull.

Allen, aged 51, was arrested in October 2022 and charged with the 2017 slayings of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German.

He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. The trial delay follows claims from Allen’s legal team of insufficient time to prepare and present their defense, the Associated Press reported.

The case has garnered significant attention both statewide and nationally, particularly in Delphi, where the killings occurred.

Gull issued a gag order in December 2022, prohibiting public commentary on the case from attorneys, law enforcement officials, court personnel, the coroner, and the victims’ family members due to the intense public scrutiny and media attention.

Prosecutors had requested the gag order due to the high-profile nature of the case. Special Judge Frances Gull was appointed to oversee the proceedings after a Carroll County judge recused himself.

Written by B.C. Begley