Delphi, Indiana – The court case involving Richard Allen, the man accused of the 2017 murders of Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, continued on Thursday with a hearing that addressed several key issues, including an attempt by the defense to suppress certain evidence, and Your Content has learned the suspected killer allegedly gave police an ‘incriminating statement’ tying him to the gruesome murders that gripped the nation. The hearing was initially meant to be a bail hearing but was expanded to cover additional issues.
During the hearing, the court was informed that Richard Allen allegedly made incriminating statements that connected him to the murders. According to the prosecution, Allen appeared to have made an admission concerning his involvement in the deaths. The defense team argued that these alleged admissions should not be taken at face value, as Allen’s mental state at the time could render them unreliable. The defense further argued that Allen’s mental and physical health has declined, and requested that he be transferred from Westville Correctional Facility to a county jail.
A motion to suppress evidence was filed by Allen’s defense earlier this week. While the specifics of the motion are under seal, it was disclosed in court that it pertains to ballistics. In November 2022, a probable cause affidavit revealed that investigators had found an unspent round of ammunition near where the girls’ bodies were discovered. Forensic analysis identified the round as having been ejected from a Sig Sauer Model P226, which is alleged to belong to Allen.
Allen has admitted to being present on the Delphi Historic Trails at the time of the girls’ disappearance but has consistently denied any involvement in their deaths. He was arrested in 2022 but had previously spoken to the police in 2017, during which he acknowledged being on the trails but denied having met the victims, according to Fox News.
The court also discussed a motion to reconsider the safekeeping order, which pertains to Allen’s housing. His attorneys have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding his declining health and have requested that he be moved from the Department of Correction facility to a local jail.
The trial, initially slated for March, has been postponed, and Allen’s defense team indicated that they might not be prepared for trial until the end of the year. The reasons cited included Allen’s health and the voluminous evidence in the case.
Allen’s bail hearing had been scheduled for February but was delayed at the request of his attorneys due to the amount of evidence. The defense argues that the evidence is not strong enough to warrant holding Allen while he awaits trial, The Star Press reported.
The judge previously decided that the trial will be conducted in Carroll County. However, due to concerns regarding finding an impartial jury in the county, jurors will be selected from other locations and transported to Carroll County for the trial.