This week’s pre-trial hearings in the Delphi murders case have dramatically shifted the narrative, unveiling new information and formally validating earlier speculations. Key revelations include the surprise vacating of Richard Allen’s safekeeping order, new forensic insights into blood placement and body positioning, and significant witness testimonies that further add to the complexities surrounding Allen and the investigation into the tragic deaths of Abby and Libby in Delphi, Indiana, in February 2017.
Richard Allen’s Mental Health and Treatment
The hearings have revealed troubling aspects of Richard Allen’s mental health treatment. Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with psychosis, Allen experienced prolonged solitary confinement at the Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) despite not exhibiting suicidal ideation at intake. This solitary confinement lasted 12 months, a prison condition known to exacerbate psychological issues. Dr. Wala, who managed Allen's medication and offered limited therapy sessions, noted his initial claims of innocence but later shifted her focus to his deteriorating mental state, including suicidal ideation and delusions. Concerns have emerged about Dr. Wala’s potential bias and ethical breaches, including the use of involuntary medication, namely questionable doses of Haldol, an archaic antipsychotic medication, which the defense argues could have influenced the validity of Allen’s confessions. The defense contends that Allen’s mental state, deteriorated by the harsh conditions of confinement and inadequate psychiatric care, may have led to coerced confessions.
Safekeeping Order and Conditions
In a surprising twist, Judge Gull vacated Allen’s safekeeping order on August 1, marking a significant shift in the case. Allen had been held under this measure for seven months without a formal hearing, a decision now confirmed as lacking clear evidence of imminent danger and legality. The defense argues that this prolonged isolation, coupled with Allen's severe mental health issues and inadequate treatment, aggravated his condition and potentially coerced his confessions. The vacating of the safekeeping order now places Allen in the custody of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, altering the conditions under which he will face trial.
Confessions and Their Validity
The hearings have spotlighted the contentious issue of Allen’s confessions. Testimonies revealed that Allen’s statements, made between March and June 2023, are under scrutiny for their voluntariness. The defense argues that these confessions may have been tainted by Allen’s deteriorating mental state and possible coercion due to his prolonged confinement and Dr. Wala’s questionable practices. The prosecution counters that the statements were voluntary, attributing them to Allen’s religious motivations rather than undue influence. This divergence raises questions about the reliability of his alleged confessions.
Todd Click
Todd Click’s testimony suggested a potential motive for the murders. Click proposed that Abby and Libby were killed out of anger after inadvertently stumbling upon a ritual they mocked. According to Click, Libby was likely the primary target and killed first, with Abby then murdered as a witness. This theory introduces a new angle on the possible motivations behind the killings.
Elvis Fields
Elvis Fields was mentioned in relation to suspicious social media activity where he reportedly mimicked the crime scene. While Murphy testified to Fields' actions, he could not link Fields directly to the scene on the day of the murders. This detail adds complexity to the investigation but does not establish a clear connection to the crime, yet.
Brad Holder
Brad Holder emerged as a significant figure, with forensic anthropologist Dawn Perlmutter’s testimony suggesting a potential connection to ritualistic practices. Perlmutter linked elements of the crime scene to known Odinist rituals, introducing Holder as a suspect who may have been involved in a ritualistic murder. Anticipated testimony from Amber Holder - Brad Holder's ex-wife - is expected to assert that Brad Holder implicated himself and another person in the murders. Despite this, the defense has provided an alibi placing Holder at a gym during the murders, though it was revealed that Holder left work around 2:30 PM on the day of the murders and did not arrive at the gym until 4:30 PM, opening a window of possibility for his involvement.
Keegan Kline and His Father
Keegan Kline remains under scrutiny. Indiana State Police Trooper David Veto testified about intense investigations into Kline and his father, highlighting Kline’s history of violence, app deletions, and discrepancies in his alibi. Veto noted physical similarities between Kline and the bridge guy in the video. Kline initially denied knowing Libby but later claimed to be at the cemetery with his father that day, admitting to disposing of a phone and knife into the Wabash River. Kline has also admitted to having communicated with Libby via social media and planning a meet-up on the day of the murders.
Libby's Cellphone
Libby’s cellphone has been a focal point in the hearings. Cecil, a phone expert, disputed earlier claims that the phone was off at 4:33 AM, asserting it was receiving texts at that time. Specifically, he testified that the phone was off from around 4 PM on February 13 and was switched back on at 4:33 AM the next day, at which point 15 text messages that had been sent since her disappearance were delivered. It remains unclear how Libby's phone came back on at 4:33 AM. Cecil also detailed the Apple Health step tracking data from Libby's phone, but could not confirm if the recorded steps matched the state’s version of the distances traveled.
The Crime Scene, Blood and Body Placement
New forensic insights have clarified several aspects of the crime scene. Official testimony confirmed that Libby’s blood was "pooled" at the scene, indicating she was mobile after the initial attack, while Abby’s blood was found only near her body. Blood splatter expert Patrick Cicero suggested that Libby’s left arm was raised and her body dragged, possibly with injuries occurring while she was sitting down. The positioning of the bodies—Libby’s left arm up and signs of dragging—along with the use of sticks to conceal them, adds to the scene’s complexity.
No suspect DNA was found, and the state has yet to establish a definitive time of death or fully explain the timing of the murders.
Novel blood splatter analysis was conducted by Cicero as late as February 2024, but his experiments and analysis were not video-recorded.
A Box Cutter
The prosecution has focused on the potential disposal of a box cutter, suggesting it may be a crucial piece of evidence. This aspect of the case is being scrutinized, though it appears to overshadow other potential suspects and theories. Evidence points to potentially more sophisticated tools being involved, such as a saw, which contradicts the state’s focus on a box cutter.
Geofencing
Geofencing data has played a role in the hearings, with the defense attempting to introduce this data to support their theories. The prosecution disputed its accuracy, however it was clarified that geofencing data is precise within 3-5 meters, challenging the prosecution’s claims. Questions remain about why specialized forensic expertise was not utilized until February 2024.
Conclusion
This week’s hearings have introduced pivotal new information and confirmed previously speculated details, but perhaps the most surprising development was Judge Gull's decision to vacate the safekeeping order for Richard Allen. This unexpected ruling has shifted the dynamics of the case, with Allen now transferred from the extreme isolation of safekeeping to the custody of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
The vacating of the safekeeping order, announced on August 1, has significant implications. It marks a dramatic turn in Allen’s treatment and could affect his mental state and the overall strategy of both the defense and prosecution. The hearings have also brought to light key testimonies and forensic insights, including revelations about Allen’s mental health, the validity of his confessions, the implications of Liberty German's phone being switched back on at 4:33 AM on February 14, and new perspectives on potential suspects like Brad Holder.
Huge credit to Yellow Jackette for attending each hearing and getting a very numb butt in the process, providing excellent notes. Hear her experiences of the hearings on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@RMproductionsyoutube.