Delphi Murders Trial: Opening statements and first witnesses

 

ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. -- The trial for the Delphi double murder began this week, nearly eight years after Libby German and Abby Williams were tragically killed. The trial is taking place at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, Indiana.

Prosecutor Nick McLeland presented his opening statement, detailing the events of the day the girls disappeared and the evidence pointing to Richard Allen as the suspect. He alleged that Allen forced the girls off the Monon High Bridge and intended to harm them but was interrupted.

Defense attorney Andrew Baldwin countered McLeland's claims, suggesting a flawed investigation, the possibility of multiple killers, and the potential for evidence tampering. He also criticized the state for not testing DNA from family members against hair found at the crime scene.

The first witness called by the prosecution was Libby's grandmother, Becky Patty. Her emotional testimony recounted the harrowing experience of searching for the girls and the devastating news of their deaths.

Several members of the media were excluded from the courtroom after violating Judge Gull's decorum order by attempting to film jurors. The strict rules imposed on media coverage have raised concerns about public access to the trial.