The Delphi Murders: Attorney Mark Inman on Richard Allen's Sentencing and Appeals

Released: November 27, 2024
Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist) and Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)
Guest: Mark Inman (Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney)

Introduction

In this episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee welcome back attorney Mark Inman to discuss the intricate legal proceedings surrounding the Delphi murders case. With his extensive background in criminal defense, including nine death penalty cases, Inman provides a nuanced perspective on Richard Allen's sentencing and the potential for appeals following his guilty verdict for the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German.

Mark Inman's Background and Initial Impressions [04:48]

Mark Inman begins by outlining his long-standing career in criminal law, highlighting his experience as a public defender in Marion County and his transition to federal court work in Southern Indiana. His expertise, particularly in high-stakes cases like death penalty trials, positions him well to dissect the complexities of the Delphi case.

Notable Quote:
"I've done nine death penalty cases. I've done murder trials. And that's kind of what I've always done, always concentrated on as you've been."
— Mark Inman [04:48]

Impact of Media Sensationalization [10:42]

The discussion shifts to the overwhelming media and social media attention the Delphi case received. Inman observes that heightened public interest often leads to increased speculation and bias, which can undermine the judicial process.

Notable Quote:
"The more popular a case is, the more there's willingness to believe that the accused is innocent."
— Mark Inman [11:05]

He criticizes the rampant speculation fueled by media coverage, emphasizing that such noise can distract from objective evaluation of the facts.

Richard Allen's Confessions and Plea Considerations [14:25]

A key focus is Allen's 61 confessions. Inman explores whether these statements indicate a desire to plead guilty and discusses the strategic implications if Allen had approached his attorneys with such intentions.

Notable Quote:
"If Alan told me he wanted to plead guilty... the least that McClellan would have offered, my guess, is 90 years."
— Mark Inman [14:25]

Inman explains that without a plea offer that avoids life imprisonment, a guilty plea would not have been strategically advantageous for Allen, suggesting that such decisions are often driven by personal reasons rather than legal strategy.

Trial Proceedings and Defense Strategies [21:03]

Inman evaluates the trial's progression, commending the prosecution's ability to cohesively present circumstantial evidence despite the challenges posed by Allen's numerous statements. He notes the rarity of certain defense motions, such as introducing Odinism as a potential defense, and praises the judge's management of the courtroom environment.

Notable Quote:
"The prosecution did an excellent job putting all that stuff together in the face of a lot of pressure."
— Mark Inman [21:03]

He also remarks on the judge's effective handling of the jury, ensuring they were not rushed and remained focused on the evidence presented.

Sentencing Hearing Expectations [27:38]

Looking ahead to the sentencing phase scheduled for December 20th, Inman outlines the procedural steps involved, including the pre-sentence investigation and the factors that may influence the final sentence. He anticipates that the judge will impose consecutive sentences for each murder count, resulting in a substantial cumulative sentence that effectively ensures Allen remains incarcerated for life.

Notable Quote:
"He’s not getting out. You know, why create another issue?"
— Mark Inman [30:50]

Inman emphasizes that the sentencing is likely to follow standard guidelines, balancing mitigating and aggravating circumstances without unnecessarily escalating the punishment, thereby minimizing grounds for appeal.

Potential for Appeals and Appellate Issues [34:01]

Inman discusses the avenues for appeal that Allen might pursue, primarily focusing on procedural aspects such as the Franks motions and the introduction of Odinism as a defense. He expresses skepticism about the likelihood of success, citing the rigorous standards appellate courts uphold regarding abuse of discretion by trial judges.

Notable Quote:
"It's rare that any abuse of discretion standard is overturned and goal made. You know, the record has been made by Judge Cole. I would be shocked if that wins."
— Mark Inman [35:47]

He also touches on the complexities of post-conviction petitions, particularly concerning claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and underscores the challenges appellate courts face in overturning well-documented trial records.

Ethical Considerations and Judicial Conduct [40:28]

A segment of the conversation delves into the ethical dimensions of the trial, specifically addressing accusations that Judge Francis Gull was harsh on the original defense team. Inman defends the judge's conduct, arguing that her primary responsibility was to protect the integrity of the courtroom and ensure a fair trial, rather than exhibiting personal bias.

Notable Quote:
"She was trying to protect the proceedings... that's not being mean. That's just being a judge."
— Mark Inman [42:29]

He emphasizes that judicial decisions to maintain order and uphold legal standards are often misconstrued as personal antagonism.

Public Perception and Legal Realities [44:53]

In response to public claims that the trial was fundamentally flawed, leading to an automatic appeal, Inman dismisses such assertions as unfounded. He stresses the importance of adhering to established legal processes and cautions against allowing uninformed opinions to distort the public's understanding of the case.

Notable Quote:
"There's nothing automatic about an appeal. I don't know where that idea could come from."
— Mark Inman [45:50]

Inman advocates for informed discussions based on legal facts rather than sensationalized narratives.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts [49:27]

As the episode wraps up, Inman expresses frustration over the tendency to spotlight singular cases amidst countless others that receive little attention. He underscores the necessity of separating legal realities from media-induced noise and commends all parties involved in the Delphi case for their professional conduct under intense scrutiny.

Notable Quote:
"We've lost getting back to the reality. And I think that's what you saw here."
— Mark Inman [51:14]

Key Takeaways

• Media Influence: High-profile cases like the Delphi murders can distort public perception, leading to biased opinions and undermining the judicial process.

• Legal Strategy: Richard Allen's numerous confessions complicate the defense's position, and any desire to plead guilty must be carefully managed within the constraints of possible legal outcomes.

• Sentencing Projections: Given the nature of the crimes, Allen is likely to receive consecutive sentences that ensure a life-long incarceration without the need for further appeals.

• Appellate Challenges: Potential appeals face significant hurdles, especially concerning procedural issues like Franks motions and the introduction of unconventional defenses.

• Judicial Conduct: Judges play a crucial role in maintaining courtroom integrity, and their decisions to manage trials effectively are often misinterpreted as personal biases.

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Delphi murders case from a seasoned defense attorney's perspective, offering listeners an informed understanding of the legal intricacies involved in high-profile criminal cases.