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Jailhouse Confessions From Delphi Murders Suspect Played at Trial: “I'm Already in Hell”
The confessions came at a time when suspect Richard Allen was "possibly" suffering psychosis while incarcerated, jurors heard.
Jurors have heard the unsettling words of the man currently on trial for the 2017 double homicide of Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, the case commonly referred to as the Delphi Murders.
Murder suspect Richard Allen, 52, confessed more than once to killing the girls, who disappeared on February 13, 2017 from the Monon High Bridge, part of Indiana’s historic Delphi trails about 70 miles north of Indianapolis. The middle schoolers’ bodies were found the next day, their throats cut with “a sharp object.”
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, day 12 of the murder trial, jailhouse recordings between Richard Allen and his wife, Kathy Allen, were played for the court, according to Chicago ABC affiliate WLS-TV. However, questions over the defendant’s mental health — potentially leading to his confessions — have been a matter of concern throughout the trial.
“I may have to spend the rest of my life here,” the suspect told his wife from behind bars. “If I get the electric chair or the death penalty, will you be there for me? I killed Abby and Libby.”
Later in the day, the prosecution rested its case, according to NBC Indianapolis affiliate WTHR.
What Richard Allen Said in His Confessions
Prosecutors focused primarily on about seven of Allen’s calls, made from the Westville Correctional Facility, dated from November 2022 — days after Allen’s arrest — and June 2023, according to ABC Indianapolis affiliate WRTV. Indiana State Police (I.S.P.) Trooper Brian Harshman told the Carroll County courtroom that he listened to and monitored about 700 jailhouse calls from Allen in total.
In a call dated Nov. 14, 2022, Allen told his wife he would work with homicide investigators: “Whatever they want me to say, I’ll tell them.”
On March 21, 2023, Allen told his mother over the phone that he’d turned his life over to Jesus Christ, per WRTV.
But the damning portions played in court Thursday morning comprised back-and-forth between the married Allens, as reported by the Chicago station, when Mrs. Allen refused to believe her husband’s murder confessions.
“I did it. I killed Abby and Libby,” Richard Allen repeated in an April 3, 2023 call.
Mrs. Allen said, “There’s something wrong,” denying that her husband committed the double murder.
“I think maybe I’ve lost my mind,” said the accused.
The conversation continued, and at one point, Richard Allen even said he would “have to” take his own life, still contending that he was unsure if he was losing his mind, according to WLS-TV.
“I feel like I’m already in Hell,” he continued. “I don’t understand what’s going on.”
One day before jurors heard the taped confessions, on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, psychologist Dr. Monica Wala of the Westville state prison testified that Allen confessed to her as well, according to The Lafayette Journal & Courier. His statements came in April 2023, at a time when the defendant was placed on suicide watch.
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Richard Allen's Mental Health Drawn Into Question
“I killed Abby and Libby,” he doubled down, according to prosecutors. “I will kill everyone. I will wipe out everybody.”
Dr. Wala testified that Allen was an alcohol-dependent sex addict who admitted the murders were “sexual in nature,” according to the Indiana paper, though a medical examiner found no evidence of sexual abuse during the autopsies. Allen’s statements also included remarks about starting World War III.
Such revelations called into question Richard Allen’s mental state while incarcerated.
Dr. Wala told the court the defendant exhibited bizarre behavior and “possibly” suffered a form of psychosis, reported the Journal & Courier. His actions included eating his excrement and flushing the Holy Bible in the toilet.
She said she believed Allen faked some of his symptoms after learning the contents of discovery from his attorneys, possibly to be moved to another facility and have visits with his wife.
Alternatively, Allen’s defense stated that the prison’s suicide watch amounted to solitary confinement, where Allen was subjected to 24/7 surveillance and never having the lights turned down, according to the Lafayette outlet. Prior to arriving at the Westville prison, the defense maintained, Allen insisted he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
During cross-examination by defense attorney Bradley Rozzi, Dr. Wala stated Allen had a history of major depressive disorder and anxiety and exhibited signs of dependent personality syndrome.
Richard Allen was connected to the girls’ deaths by an unspent .40 caliber round discovered at the crime scene. His defense is founded on the alternate theory that Odinists were responsible for killing German and Williams in ritualistic fashion, though motions to introduce the defense in court have not been successful this far.
Trial resumes Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
