In October 2024, the Delphi community was swarming with local and national reporters, photographers and social media personalities. The trial in the double murders of Liberty “Libby” German and Abigail “Abby” Williams was underway.
Because no electronics were allowed during Richard Allen’s trial in the Delphi murders, journalists found ways to share what was happening in the Carroll County Courthouse.
Local reporters in the USA Today Network from IndyStar and the Lafayette Journal & Courier attended the trial and recorded updates on most days. Here’s what they witnessed during Indiana v. Richard Allen in 2024.
Oct. 18, 2024: Opening statements
Ahead of opening statements, Ron Wilkins reported, a line formed outside the courthouse and several people were turned away as it filled.
Oct. 19, 2024: Testimony on the search for 2 missing girls
Jordan Smith reported on the testimony of witnesses who were involved in the search after Abby and Libby went missing.
Oct. 21, 2024: Jury sees crime scene photos
Wilkins reported that a graphic photo was shown without warning, eliciting gasps from the crowd.
Oct 22, 2024: ‘Bridge Guy’ video shown
Wilkins reported that the jury and others in the courtroom saw more of the video from which a grainy still had been released to the public in 2019.
Smith reported on the testimony of the audiovisual technician who analyzed the video from Libby’s phone.
Oct. 23, 2024: Libby’s phone
Wilkins reported on the testimony of a witness who was on the trail Feb. 13, 2017.
Smith reported on the testimony of a digital expert who analyzed the activity on Libby’s phone.
Watch ‘Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge’ on Hulu with Disney bundle
Oct. 24, 2024: The lost tip that led to Richard Allen
Wilkins reported on the testimony of a volunteer who came across an early tip in the case that changed the direction of the murder investigation.
Sarah Nelson reported on what investigators said they found in a 2022 search of Richard Allen’s home.
Oct. 25, 2025: The unspent round
Wilkins reported on the testimony of a firearms expert who linked Allen’s firearm to a spent round found near Abby and Libby’s bodies.
Nelson reported on the cross-examination of the firearms expert as the defense tried to call the science into question.
Oct. 26, 2025: What Richard Allen said about unspent round
Nelson reported on an Indiana State Police investigator’s testimony about a 2022 interview with Allen.
Oct. 28. 2025: Blood, DNA at the scene
Nelson reported on testimony from a forensic scientist who analyzed the crime scene.
Oct. 29, 2025: Interviews and prison confessions
Wilkins reported after the jury saw video from a 2022 interview with Richard Allen.
Nelson reported on testimony by guards at two state prisons who said Richard Allen confessed.
Oct. 30, 2025: ‘I killed Abby and Libby’
Wilkins reported on testimony by a psychologist who said Allen confessed.
Nelson reported on the cross-examination of the prison psychologist.
Oct. 31, 2025: Voice identification
Wilkins reported on an analyst’s testimony who compared the voice on Libby’s video to Allen’s phone call recordings.
Smith reported that jurors listened to a prison phone call between Allen and his mother.
After a break, Smith reported on the conversation between Richard Allen and his mother.
Nov. 1, 2025: Richard Allen’s decline after arrest
Wilkins reported on testimony of a mental health expert who spoke about Allen’s state of mind while in isolation.
Nov. 2, 2025: Jury sees prison footage
Smith reported that the jury watched hours of disturbing footage of Allen in prison during 2023.
Nov. 4, 2025: Richard Allen’s mental health
Wilkins reported on the testimony of a neuropsychologist about his mental health.
Nov. 5, 2025: Solitary confinement and another ballistics expert
Smith reported on testimony from two defense witnesses, one of whom spoke on the effects of solitary confinement.
Smith also reported on what the defense’s own ballistics expert had to say about the unspent round.
Nov. 6, 2025: Rebuttal witnesses
Wilkins reported that the defense rested its case and the prosecution began calling rebuttal witnesses.
Nov. 7, 2025: Jury deliberation begins
Nelson reported that even before jury deliberations started, a line began forming outside the courthouse for the verdict.
Nov. 8, 2025: Waiting for the verdict
Wilkins reported that jurors returned to deliberations as the public waited outside with signs.
Nov. 9, 2025: Jury leaves for the weekend
Nelson reported that the second full day of deliberations ended with no verdict.
Nov. 11, 2025: Richard Allen found guilty on all charges
Wilkins reported on the verdict in Indiana v. Richard Allen.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: You’ve seen the latest Delphi murders documentary, now hear our reports from the trial
Reporting by Jenny Porter Tilley, Ron Wilkins, Sarah Nelson and Jordan Smith, USA TODAY NETWORK / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
