Defense Highlights Allen's Mental Health in Trial

The trial of Richard Allen, accused of the 2017 murders of teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German in Delphi, Indiana, has shifted to the defense phase, focusing on Allen's mental health during his imprisonment. The defense presented evidence showing Allen's mental deterioration in solitary confinement, where he was held for 13 months despite policies against prolonged solitary for individuals with serious mental illness. Dr. Deanna Dwenger, a defense witness, confirmed that Allen's mental health declined significantly in April 2023, around when he began confessing to the murders. The defense argues that Allen's confessions were due to mental illness, not guilt, and seeks to introduce alternative theories, such as a pagan Norse cult involvement, which the judge has not yet permitted. The prosecution has already presented evidence, including recordings of Allen's confessions, and now the defense aims to contest these with testimonies from mental health experts and other witnesses.