Live Blog: Day 15 of Delphi Murders Trial

INDIANAPOLIS — The Delphi Murders trial of Richard Allen resumed on Monday, marking Day 15 at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi. Allen, aged 52, faces serious charges, including murder and murder in the course of committing or attempting to commit kidnapping, related to the tragic deaths of 13-year-old Abigail “Abby” Williams and 14-year-old Liberty “Libby” German. Their bodies were discovered near the Monon High Bridge on February 14, 2017, just one day after they went missing.

Initially investigated in 2017, Allen became a suspect again during an October 2022 police interview that led to his arrest.

The trial commenced on October 18 and is anticipated to continue until mid-November. Initially composed of 16 jurors from Allen County, one juror was dismissed on October 25. To maintain courtroom decorum, cameras are prohibited; however, sketches by an artist are being created to document the proceedings.

NOTE: The times listed in the blog headers indicate when entries were added. Specific courtroom event times will be provided within those entries if available.

9 a.m.: Court in session for Monday

7:30 a.m.

News 8’s chief photographer reported that attendees are already lining up at the Carroll County courthouse for public seating at Monday’s session.

Brief summary of Day 14 in the Delphi Murders trial

The jury viewed ten camcorder videos featuring Richard Allen recorded while he was at Westville Correctional Facility in April 2023. These videos were compiled by defense intern Max Baker along with a master spreadsheet categorizing the footage.

Among these recordings, four contained nudity and another depicted Allen receiving medical treatment during transport. Although state prosecutor Nick McLeland objected to their inclusion as evidence, Special Judge Fran Gull allowed them into court. The viewing was conducted with the courtroom television facing away from spectators and media representatives so only the jury, Judge Gull, and attorneys could see it; Richard Allen himself was not able to view the footage.

The graphic nature of these videos left several jurors visibly shocked. Some wore wide-eyed expressions while defense attorney Jennifer Auger appeared distressed as she held her head in her hands or covered her mouth during certain clips.

After a brief recess following this segment, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter took the stand for approximately ten minutes to explain his involvement in the investigation into the Delphi Murders. He confirmed that he had relieved the FBI from their role in August 2021 at his discretion and requested all evidence be returned. Following his testimony, he was released from his subpoena.

The jury then watched five additional videos recorded on May 13 and June 20 of this year despite McLeland renewing his objection against them being shown. Many jurors appeared uncomfortable during this viewing; some took notes while others observed with visible disapproval. Auger and fellow defense attorney Andrew Baldwin frequently looked away or shook their heads during these unsettling segments where Baldwin was seen offering quiet support to Allen as he noted details about what they were witnessing.

The video presentations concluded around noon on Saturday after which questioning continued regarding additional materials prepared by Baker related to security camera footage of Allen's cell activities before court adjourned shortly thereafter.