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Delphi murder trial: Prosecution ends, Richard Allen’s confession calls for Libby German to stand trial for Abby Williams’ murder
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Delphi murder trial: Prosecution ends, Richard Allen’s confession calls for Libby German to stand trial for Abby Williams’ murder

DELPHI, Ind. — On the twelfth day of a harrowing trial, jurors heard phone confessions from Delphi double murder suspect Richard Allen.

The prosecution dropped after the appeals were played out in court.

In the calls, you can hear Allen confessing to his wife and mother that he killed Libby German and Abby Williams.

Libby, 14, and her best friend, Abby Williams, 13, were walking along a hiking trail in rural Delphi when their throats were slit and they were left in the woods on February 13, 2017. Their bodies were found the next day.

Richard Allen was arrested more than five years later when police said an unexpended round at the scene matched Allen’s gun.

READ ALSO | Delphi murder suspect tells psychologist he wants to apologize to Abby, Libby’s families

Jurors in the double-murder trial of Richard Allen of Delphi, Indiana heard recorded phone calls Thursday from Allen to his wife and mother.

The girls were found dead with their throats slit near the Monon High Bridge in February 2017. Allen was arrested more than five years later when police said an unexpended round at the scene matched Allen’s gun.

Thursday morning’s testimony focused on seven phone calls Allen made from jail.

They were recorded by prosecution witness Brian Harshman, an Indiana State Police trooper.

Harshman testified that he listened to 700 of Allen’s phone calls and monitored his texts and video conversations.

On Wednesday, a clinical psychologist said Allen told her he was startled by something when he was allegedly leading the girls down the hill. Allen said he then forced Abby and Libby across Deer Creek and killed them.

Officer Harshman testified Thursday that he believed Allen was struck by Brad Weber’s van because Weber, who lives near the crime scene, owns a 2000 Ford Econoline van. He said it would have taken time for Weber to drive home from work matches the time of the murders.

Harshman concluded his testimony by telling the jury that after listening and re-listening to 700 of Allen’s calls, he believes the voice in the “Bridge Guy” video is Allen’s.

Defense attorney Brad Rozzi noted that numerous people were suspected of being the man in the video, including Brad Weber. He also noted that police never investigated how many vans were registered in Carroll County at the time.

Each of the calls played in court Thursday included confessions about the murder.

READ ALSO | Extended video showing “Bridge Guy” on victim’s phone, played in court

Here are some of Allen’s quotes from those calls:

Richard Allen’s phone conversation with wife Kathy:

Richard: “If it’s too much, call the investigators and I’ll tell them what they want.”

Richard: “I love you so much. If anything happens, I’ll see you in the next life.”

Richard: “I did it. I killed Abby and Libby.”

Kathy: “No, you didn’t.”

Richard: “Yes, I did.”

Kathy: “Why would you say that? I know you didn’t. There’s something wrong.”

Richard: “I think maybe I’ve lost my mind.”

Kathy: “Are you sure you want to talk to me on the phone?”

Richard: “I want you to know that I did this.”

Kathy: “No, you haven’t. You’re not well.”

Richard: “I need to know if you still love me.”

Kathy: “Yes.” (crying)

Richard: “I may have to spend the rest of my life here. If I get the electric chair or the death penalty, will you be there for me? I killed Abby and Libby.”

Kathy: “No, you didn’t. Stop.” (crying)

Richard: “I did, Kathy. I did. Do you still love me?”

Kathy: “Yes, yes. But you didn’t.”

Richard: “I don’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know if I’ve lost my mind.”

Kathy: “Honey, you can’t call me and talk like that.”

Richard: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I’ll have to kill myself now.”

Kathy: “You have nothing to do with it.”

Richard:” I feel like I’m already in hell. I don’t understand what’s going on.”

Kathy: “Neither do I.”