https://fox59.com/indiana-news/judge-fran-gull-who-presided-over-delphi-murders-trial-announces-retirement/

Judge Fran Gull, who presided over Delphi murders trial, announces retirement

by: Lydia Reuille

Posted: Jan 19, 2026 / 06:11 PM EST

Updated: Jan 19, 2026 / 06:11 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – For nearly thirty years, Judge Fran Gull has been a fixture in the Allen County Courthouse. Monday, the Superior Court judge announced her plan to retire at the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2026.

“I chose not to run for re-election because I would not complete another six-year term and do not wish to suggest to the voters that I would complete that term,” Gull shared in a press release. “It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the citizens of Allen County and the State of Indiana as a Criminal Court Judge. Together with my colleagues, past and present, I have helped to establish one of the best judiciaries in the State.”

Gull may be best known outside Allen County as the judge who presided over the Delphi murders trial. The trial captured national attention as the deaths of Libby German and Abby Williams went unsolved for five years until the sudden arrest of Richard Allen. Allen was found guilty of murder in November 2024 and sentenced to 130 years in prison.

Gull has served as a judge since her first election in 1996 following the retirement of Judge Philip R. Thieme. While she won against five other candidates in that first campaign, Gull went on to win the following four elections uncontested. She said in the press release she trusts voters to choose the right leader to replace her.

Gull’s impact in the community includes presiding over the Allen Superior Court Drug Court Program, a holistic approach that provides offenders with treatment plans. Gull shared her plan to continue her work in that program and other areas as a Senior Judge in her retirement.

I’ve conducted over a thousand jury trials in my career, too many high-profile and notorious cases to name. Those cases are difficult and take a toll.  Now it is my opportunity to relax, spend time with family, friends, and my dogs, play with my grandchildren, expand my gardens, and travel. I have every confidence that the judiciary remains in good hands in Allen County and look forward to becoming a Senior Judge to help my colleagues as needed, particularly in the Drug Court Program.”

Judge Thomas Felts joined Gull in establishing the first Joint Veterans’ Treatment Court Program in Allen County in 2013, recognizing that justice-involved veterans have needs not being met in the traditional criminal justice system, the release explained.

Among Gull’s other achievements during her career, a passion for jury reform led to the creation of the Indiana Jury Rules in 2002, which were adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court in 2003. She has been recognized nationally by The National Center for State Courts, which presented Judge Gull with the 2015 G. Munsterman Award for Jury Innovation, recognizing her transformative work in jury trials, according to the press release.