True Crime Garage Episode 794: Delphi Murders Trial

Release Date: October 16, 2024
Hosts: Nick and the Captain

Introduction

In this urgent and unscheduled episode, hosts Nick and the Captain delve deep into the highly anticipated trial of Richard Allen, accused of the brutal Delphi murders. After over seven years since the initial coverage of the case in 2017, the hosts provide a comprehensive update on the trial's progression, shedding light on jury selection, courtroom dynamics, and the strategies employed by both the prosecution and defense.

Jury Selection Process

Timestamp: 02:15 – 07:30

Nick begins by highlighting the commencement of jury selection in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, on October 14th. The selection aims to compile a panel of 16 jurors—12 primary members and four alternates—over three days. Given the high-profile nature of the case and the small population of Delphi (approximately 3,000 residents), the selection takes place two hours away in Fort Wayne to ensure an unbiased jury.

Notable Quote:
Nick (03:45): “You can't go into Carroll County and think that you're going to walk away with 16 people that are completely unbiased and completely untarnished by the case.”

The process involved mailing out questionnaires to potential jurors, followed by multiple sessions where batches of about 50 individuals were assessed. Both prosecution and defense were allotted ten strikes each to dismiss potential jurors without providing reasons, a standard procedure to ensure impartiality.

Notable Quote:
Nick (13:57): “As a lawyer, you could say, that guy has a stupid face and I don't want him. I don't want to have to look at him.”

By the end of the selection on October 16th, all 16 jurors were chosen, with discussions hinged on the jurors' familiarity and opinions about the case. The hosts emphasize the importance of a fair trial, free from local biases in such a tightly-knit community.

Courtroom Dynamics and Richard Allen's Appearance

Timestamp: 07:30 – 16:55

The hosts discuss the notable change in Richard Allen’s courtroom appearance. For the first time, Allen attended court not in his traditional prison jumpsuit but in a light purple button-down shirt and khaki pants, displaying a healthier and more composed demeanor.

Notable Quote:
Nick (19:08): “He appears to be stronger. He's got a very close buzz cut and he's clean-shaven in the picture there.”

This shift has sparked speculation about Allen's state of mind and potential strategies being employed by his defense team. Additionally, the courtroom environment in Carroll County is described as more accommodating to media, although access remains restricted, leading to logistical challenges for reporters like Nick.

Notable Quote:
Captain (15:25): “In this courtroom is also a little bit smaller than what they're going to go to in Carroll County, so there is less media there.”

Nick also shares insider information about the difficulty in obtaining press credentials, highlighting the challenges faced by media in covering the trial comprehensively.

Opening Statements: Prosecution vs. Defense

Timestamp: 18:05 – 26:06

The episode delves into the content of the opening statements from both sides:

• Prosecution: Led by Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLean, the prosecution asserts that Richard Allen is the “Bridge Guy,” the perpetrator who brutally murdered Libby German and Abigail Williams. They emphasize that Allen confessed to the murders multiple times and present key evidence, including a bullet found at the crime scene.

  Notable Quote:
  McLean (Prosecution): “Bridge Guy brutally murdered the two [girls] and then casually walked back to his car and went home.”

• Defense: Allen’s legal team counters by arguing that his confessions are false and coerced. They claim Allen has confessed to crimes he did not commit and highlight inconsistencies in his statements, such as confessions to murders that did not occur. The defense characterizes the evidence as “soft” and seeks to undermine the credibility of the prosecution’s case.

  Notable Quote:
  Defense: “Allen confessed to a crime he didn't commit and that these are the ingredients for false confessions.”

Nick points out the high number of confessions (over 60) by Allen, including admissions to murders that didn’t take place, suggesting a pattern that could benefit the defense’s narrative of false confessions.

Key Evidence and Witnesses

Timestamp: 25:17 – 34:06

Nick and the Captain explore the substantial number of witnesses each side plans to call:

• Prosecution: 55 witnesses, focusing on phone data, weapon evidence, fingerprints, and potential alibis.

• Defense: A staggering 120 witnesses, aiming to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and provide alternative narratives.

Notable Quote:
Nick (34:06): “The defense has to do the same thing. They have to list how many witnesses they plan to call. They plan to call 120 witnesses.”

The hosts express skepticism about the trial's projected duration of approximately a month, questioning how the vast number of witnesses will be accommodated within the time frame. They anticipate a rigorous presentation of evidence, including Allen’s multiple confessions and physical evidence from the crime scene.

Strange and Notable Courtroom Moments

Timestamp: 33:37 – 44:27

Several peculiar incidents during the initial days of the trial are discussed:

1. Psychic Juror Dismissal: A potential juror claiming to be a psychic was swiftly dismissed by the judge, highlighting the court's focus on maintaining a rational and evidence-based trial environment.

   Notable Quote:
   Guest: “I don't have a crystal ball, but I have a crystal ball brain.”

2. Defense Attorney’s Tactic: Andrew Baldwin, a defense attorney, stood behind Allen during questioning, placing his hands on Allen’s shoulders and urging jurors to consider the possibility of Allen’s innocence. Allen’s subsequent smile at the jury admittedly left jurors in a state of shock.

   Notable Quote:
   Nick (41:02): “The prosecution jumps up. It's like, objection, your honor.”

3. Hair Evidence Discrepancies: The defense points out that a hair found in Abigail’s hand does not match Allen's, yet fails to provide detailed information regarding the source of the hair, leaving room for ambiguity and doubt.

   Notable Quote:
   Nick (44:27): “They said, is it male hair or is it female hair? And then is it possible that it actually does match Richard Allen? But we just can't definitively say that because it is a hair fiber without the bulb on the hair.”

These moments underscore the intense and sometimes unconventional maneuvers employed by both legal teams to sway the jury's perception.

Defense Strategy and Confessions

Timestamp: 44:27 – 52:20

The discussion shifts to the defense’s strategy, primarily focusing on discrediting Allen's numerous confessions:

• False Confessions: The defense argues that Allen has provided over 60 confessions, some of which include admissions to crimes he didn’t commit, such as murdering his family members. They suggest that these false confessions undermine his credibility and indicate coercion or psychological manipulation.

  Notable Quote:
  Guest: “They have confessed to crimes that haven't taken place. Like he said, he killed his whole family, he killed his grandchildren.”

• Interruption During Confessions: The prosecution asserts that Allen was interrupted during his confessions, questioning the conditions under which these admissions were made and whether they were voluntary.

• Hair Evidence: The defense emphasizes the presence of a hair in Abigail’s hand that doesn’t match Allen’s, aiming to cast doubt on the forensic evidence presented by the prosecution.

Nick and the Captain debate the implications of these confessions, pondering whether they indicate genuine remorse, psychological distress, or a manipulation tactic by the defense to create reasonable doubt.

Insights and Conclusions

Timestamp: 52:20 – End

As the episode wraps up, Nick and the Captain reflect on the complexity of the trial:

• Volume of Evidence: The sheer number of witnesses and pieces of evidence expected to be presented make this trial unprecedented, potentially lasting beyond the initial projection of a month.

• Impact on Families: The hosts express empathy for the families involved, acknowledging the prolonged and arduous nature of the legal proceedings.

• Anticipation of Trial Outcomes: Both hosts are keenly interested in how the jurors will interpret the conflicting narratives and whether the defense can effectively challenge the prosecution's case with the multitude of confessions and inconsistent evidence.

Notable Quote:
Nick (52:20): “This is getting us closer to something that we started that unfortunately had to start so long ago. ... The next several weeks are going to be very difficult for a lot of families.”

Final Thoughts

In this comprehensive update, True Crime Garage provides an in-depth look at the ongoing Delphi murders trial, highlighting the procedural intricacies, strategic courtroom maneuvers, and the emotional toll on those involved. As the trial unfolds, Nick and the Captain promise to continue monitoring and reporting on the pivotal moments that could ultimately determine Richard Allen's fate.

Remember: If you’re passionate about true crime and want to stay updated on this and other cases, consider supporting True Crime Garage through Patreon or subscribing on Apple Podcasts.