Richard Allen’s defense team has filed a comprehensive memorandum in addition to Exhibits, requesting a Franks hearing, arguing that the search warrant affidavit used to obtain evidence was based on false statements and critical omissions. The filing claims that investigators ignored overwhelming evidence pointing to members of a pagan cult, Odinists, who allegedly ritualistically murdered Abby Williams and Libby German. The crime scene reportedly displayed runes formed with sticks and blood, yet this angle was abandoned early in the investigation based on an unverified opinion from a Purdue professor whose identity remains unknown.
The defense asserts that prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence, including reports and videos, as well as an FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit finding that the killers were linked to Nordic beliefs. Additionally, the memorandum names several individuals—Brad Holder, Patrick Westfall, Elvis Fields, Johnny Messer, and Rod Abrams—who were connected to Odinism and exhibited suspicious behavior, social media posts, and even confessions. Despite these connections, they were cleared quickly without thorough investigation.
Further, the filing alleges that while Allen has been held at Westville Correctional Facility, he has been monitored and intimidated by correctional officers displaying Odinist symbols, raising concerns about his safety and mental health. The defense emphasizes that there is no DNA, electronic, or forensic evidence linking Allen to the crime scene or any cult activity.
The memorandum accuses Sheriff Tony Liggett of concealing witness statements and fabricating details to support a timeline placing Allen at the scene. Witness descriptions of suspects and vehicles reportedly did not match Allen or his car. According to the defense, these omissions and misrepresentations were intentional or reckless, and if proven, the warrant, and all evidence obtained from it, should be suppressed.
The defense concludes that Richard Allen is an innocent man caught in a flawed investigation, and the court should grant a Franks hearing to examine the integrity of the search warrant affidavit.
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