The murders of Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017 remained unsolved for more than five years until Richard Allen was charged in late 2022. The community of Delphi, Indiana, where the girls were from, was shaken by the brutal crime. Abby and Libby, both in eighth grade, were found stabbed to death near an abandoned rail bridge. Allen, a pharmacy technician and father, maintains his innocence as he faces double murder charges.
The trial of Allen began with jury selection in early 2023, with many questions surrounding the case still unanswered. Judge Frances Gull issued a gag order to prevent speculation and intense media coverage from influencing the case. Allen’s defense requested a change of venue due to concerns over a “tainted jury pool,” but the request was denied. Jury selection took place in Allen County before the trial continued in Carroll County, where it could last about a month with sequestered jurors.
One key aspect of the trial is the motive prosecutors will present against Allen, who allegedly confessed to the murders to his wife and others while imprisoned in a maximum-security prison. The case gained attention after audio and video clips from Libby’s cellphone were released, but they did not lead to any viable suspects at the time. Police later released more footage in hopes of identifying the suspect, including a male voice saying, “Guys, down the hill.”
Defending Allen, his lawyers argued against the prosecution’s claim of a confession, suggesting he may have been suffering from psychotic symptoms at the time. The defense was denied the opportunity to present an alternate theory of the killings related to Odinism, a Norse pagan religion. The judge deemed the theory as having no probative value and potentially misleading the jury. Defense lawyers may still argue the admissibility of certain evidence during the trial.
The defense requested jurors to visit the crime scene to gain a better understanding of the topography, but prosecutors raised concerns about security. Judge Gull planned to rule on the request after jury selection. The community of Delphi has continued to mourn Abby and Libby, who were described as bright and caring individuals. Both girls had promising futures ahead of them before their lives were tragically cut short. The families of the victims have remained committed to seeking justice for Abby and Libby.
