An Indiana prison psychologist testified on Wednesday about Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen's alleged confessions behind bars. Allen, 52, is charged with murdering 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams while they were walking on a hiking trail in Delphi on Feb. 13, 2017. Their bodies were found the next day, but Allen was not arrested until October 2022.
Dr. Monica Wala, the lead psychologist for the Indiana Department of Correction, revealed that Allen confessed to targeting Abby and Libby for 'sexual' reasons and admitted to being a sex addict. Allen also disclosed his struggles with alcoholism and his history as both a victim and perpetrator of sexual assault.
Wala shared that Allen followed Abby and Libby on the High Monon Trail on the day of the murders and ordered them 'down the hill' with intentions of raping them. This phrase was captured in a video on Libby's phone just before their disappearance.
According to Wala's testimony, Allen became spooked by a man or a van and decided to brutally murder the girls by slashing their necks and concealing their bodies with tree branches in a wooded area near the trail. Despite the killings, Allen continued to live his life normally, expressing interest in apologizing to the victims' families.
Wala described Allen's behavior in prison as indicative of serious mental illness, citing 'fatalistic delusions,' 'hopelessness,' 'insomnia,' and 'suicidal ideations.' She also mentioned Allen's deteriorating mental state, including an incident where he consumed his own feces.
Journalist Áine Cain highlighted the compelling evidence presented in court, including Allen's own words, placing him at the scene of the crime. Surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and forensic analysis further support the prosecution's case against Allen.
As the trial progresses, Allen's defense team will need to counter the mounting evidence to challenge the prosecution's narrative.
