Murder Sheet Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: The Delphi Murders: First Person: Chief Deputy Prosecutor Stacey Diener Part One
Release Date: January 22, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve into the intricate details of the Delphi murders trial by conducting an in-depth interview with Chief Deputy Prosecutor Stacey Diener. This is the first part of a two-episode series that offers a firsthand account of the prosecution’s journey in one of Indiana’s most harrowing cases.
Stacey Diener's Background and Career Path
Early Life and Education
Stacey Diener traces her roots to Hobart, Indiana, where she was born and spent much of her childhood. Her family's movements between Hobart and the Lafayette area during her formative years provided her with a dual sense of community. Stacey pursued her undergraduate studies at Purdue University, majoring in English, before attending Valparaiso Law School—a choice influenced by her Lutheran upbringing and proximity to family.
Entry into Law and Prosecution
Upon graduating from law school, Stacey immediately embarked on a career in prosecution, securing a position as a chief deputy prosecutor in Winnemac, Pulaski County. Her dedication to public service spanned over two decades, including eight years as a chief deputy in Pulaski County, followed by roles in White County and a brief period in private practice. Stacey’s commitment to the prosecutorial path was inspired by her mother’s role as a legal secretary and her early exposure to the legal environment.
Notable Quote:
"I wanted to work in a courthouse, wear a suit every day. And I was an English major at Purdue, so it was a good background for law school."
(05:13)
Involvement in the Delphi Murders Case
Initial Awareness and Decision to Join the Team
The tragic disappearance and subsequent murder of Liberty German and Abigail Williams in February 2017 sent shockwaves through the community. As prosecutors, Stacey and her colleague Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McClelland were acutely aware of the case’s significance. Despite the intense media coverage, Stacey chose to distance herself from external narratives, focusing instead on factual accuracy and the integrity of the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"I didn’t follow the investigation closely. I didn’t read the newspaper articles about it... I’m glad that I had not."
(17:22)
Transition to Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office
Stacey’s transition to the Carroll County Prosecutor’s office was motivated by both professional opportunity and personal reasons—primarily to be closer to her family. Upon joining, she quickly immersed herself in the Delphi case, leveraging her extensive experience to aid in building a robust prosecution.
Notable Quote:
"I spent 100% of my time getting up to speed. I read about 3,000 pages and highlighted them so that if I needed to go back and reference, I could."
(18:53)
Team Dynamics and Strategy
Formation of the Prosecution Team
The prosecution team comprised Nicholas McClelland, James Luttrell, and Stacey Diener. Each brought unique strengths to the table:
- Nicholas McClelland: Focused on law enforcement aspects.
- James Luttrell: Handled pathology and ballistics.
- Stacey Diener: Managed trial preparations and family witness examinations.
Their collaborative approach emphasized thorough preparation, with an openness to vetting strategies collectively to ensure no detail was overlooked.
Notable Quote:
"We worked really well together. We each have our own style... Jim was probably our most conservative and contributor and he would be the one that would play devil's advocate."
(26:12)
Pre-Trial Preparation and Challenges
Comprehensive Case Review
Stacey dedicated significant time to understanding every facet of the case, from law enforcement reports to Richard Allen's phone calls. Her methodical approach involved reading extensive documentation and making detailed notes to ensure a deep comprehension of the evidence and timeline.
Notable Quote:
"I read about 3,000 pages and highlighted them... I made handwritten notes of every phone call, what I thought was significant."
(18:53)
Handling High-Profile Case Pressures
Taking on a case as high-profile as the Delphi murders came with its own set of pressures. Stacey expressed initial nervousness about potential public animosity and media scrutiny. However, she noted the absence of personal threats, which was a surprising relief.
Notable Quote:
"I was a little nervous at the beginning... But it didn’t happen. I didn’t have anyone contact me personally or by email and make any threats to me."
(23:31)
Deposition Process and Witness Preparation
The pre-trial phase involved numerous depositions, often with witnesses who had previously testified. Stacey found this process time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, as it diverted focus from trial preparations. To manage this, she and her team ensured that two prosecutors attended each deposition to maximize understanding and strategize effectively.
Notable Quote:
"We were doing so many depositions so close to trial because it was a distraction from trial prep. We decided that we were going to do our best to have two of us at every deposition."
(28:01)
Trial Strategies and Witness Management
Motion to Dismiss for Destruction of Exculpatory Evidence
One of the pivotal moments in the pre-trial phase was addressing the defense’s motion to dismiss based on allegations of destroyed evidence. Stacey passionately defended the prosecution’s position by highlighting technical difficulties faced by law enforcement rather than intentional malfeasance.
Notable Quote:
"It was a mix of excitement and nervousness... knowing that she works in a fast paced court where things happen very quickly and there's a large volume."
(29:17)
Managing Civilian and Family Witnesses
Preparing lay witnesses, especially family members, presented unique challenges. Stacey emphasized the importance of building trust and ensuring witnesses were comfortable and aware of the courtroom process. Her empathetic approach aimed to minimize their anxiety and enhance the authenticity of their testimonies.
Notable Quote:
"I developed the right relationship with them... making sure that I communicated with them, that they could ask me anything they needed to."
(33:46)
Handling Expert Witnesses
Case expert witnesses, such as Dr. Walla, required careful preparation. Stacey detailed her strategy of meeting with experts outside of formal deposition settings to discuss potential questioning approaches, ensuring clarity and reducing stress for the witnesses.
Notable Quote:
"I had an opportunity to meet with her one more time prior to trial and then go through what I perceived to be my area of questioning."
(38:13)
Personal Reflections and Trial Preparation Stress
Work-Life Balance and Mental Strain
Stacey candidly shared the immense workload and sleepless nights that accompanied the case preparation. The emotional toll of working closely with grieving families and the constant demand for meticulous case management highlighted the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of justice.
Notable Quote:
"I was totally consumed with the case because I needed to be. I was working 10 hours a day on average."
(34:54)
Trial Lawyer Style and Organization
Stacey’s methodical nature was evident in her organized approach to trial preparation. Utilizing binders, tabs, and outlined question strategies, she and her team ensured they were thoroughly prepared for every aspect of the trial.
Notable Quote:
"We like everything in binders, we like everything tabbed... It’s a lot easier to deal with the stress that comes with trial when you’re prepared and organized."
(36:31)
Conclusion
Stacey Diener’s firsthand account provides invaluable insights into the complexities of prosecuting a high-profile murder case like the Delphi murders. Her dedication, organizational skills, and empathetic approach to witness management underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by prosecutors. This episode of Murder Sheet not only illuminates the procedural aspects of the trial but also humanizes the legal professionals striving to bring closure to tragic cases.
For More Information:
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