The State of Indiana’s appellate brief released today, argues that Richard Allen’s murder convictions in the Delphi case should be upheld, asserting that the trial was conducted properly and the evidence against him was overwhelming.
Prosecutors maintain that Allen was correctly identified as the man seen on the Monon High Bridge trail on February 13, 2017, where 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams were abducted and killed. The State highlights key evidence including eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, a video recorded by one of the victims, and a .40 caliber cartridge at the scene that was forensically linked to Allen’s firearm.
The brief emphasizes Allen’s own statements placing him at the scene, along with multiple confessions he made to law enforcement, prison staff, and family members. Prosecutors argue these confessions were voluntary and not the result of coercion, despite the defense’s claims regarding his mental state and prison conditions.
The State also defends the legality of the search of Allen’s home, asserting that the warrant was supported by probable cause and did not rely on false or misleading information. Additionally, prosecutors argue that Allen waived several of his appellate claims by failing to properly object during trial.
Regarding evidentiary issues, the State contends the trial court properly excluded speculative or unreliable defense theories, including alternate suspects and claims of ritualistic motives. Any alleged errors, prosecutors argue, were harmless given the strength of the evidence.
Ultimately, the State concludes that Allen received a fair trial, the jury’s verdict was supported by substantial evidence, and the convictions should be affirmed.
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