The defense for Richard Allen, the man accused of killing two teenagers in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017, rested its case Wednesday after several days of calling witnesses, including a cell phone forensic expert and a psychiatrist. The trial now heads to closing arguments, jury instructions, and deliberations after the prosecution recalled witnesses.
Allen, 52, is accused of killing Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, who lived in Delphi. He has pleaded not guilty to four charges, including two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder.
Prosecutors alleged Allen committed the killings, citing ballistics evidence and his own confessions. However, the defense argued there is no DNA or weapons evidence tying him to the killings and claimed the confessions were involuntary.
A cell phone forensic expert testified that data from Libby’s cell phone showed suspicious activity on the night the girls went missing. Additionally, a psychiatrist testified about the effects of solitary confinement on individuals.
The case dates back to February 2017 when the two eighth-grade girls went hiking near the Monon High Bridge but failed to return as planned. Their bodies were found the next day in a wooded area. The case remained unsolved until Allen's arrest in 2022.
During his time in custody, Allen exhibited concerning behaviors, leading to a diagnosis of a brief psychotic disorder. The defense has emphasized Allen's mental health crisis while incarcerated.
As the trial progresses, the court will consider the evidence presented by both sides to determine Allen's fate in this tragic case.
