Delphi murders case: Prison staff say Richard Allen confessed to killing Libby German and Abby Williams multiple times

On October 30, 2024By Karl

DELPHI, Ind. — Testimony in the double murder trial of Richard Allen continued late Wednesday evening.

Prison staff testified about Allen’s many confessions and actions while behind bars.

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

Allen was arrested in 2022 and pleaded not guilty to murder.

John Galipeau, former warden of Westville Correctional Facility, took the stand Tuesday.

Allen was held at the facility for 13 months following his arrest in October 2022.

Allen’s lawyers have repeatedly argued that he was mistreated there and called a “baby killer.”

Galipeau testified that Allen was allowed to shower three times a week, was provided with three sets of clothing, had access to tablets and was allowed to rest in a closed room five days a week.

It was also revealed that Allen was on suicide watch.

Galipeau told jurors on March 5, 2023, that Allen wrote a request to interview him.

The request said he wanted to confess to killing Abby and Libby.

“I am ready to officially confess to killing Abby and Libby. I hope I will have the opportunity to tell the families I am sorry,” the written note read. it said.

Galipeau also told jurors that Allen admitted to throwing a sharp object into a trash can behind the CVS where he worked in Delphi.

Allen said he has worked at CVS since 2013, and before that he worked at Walmart for 10 years.

Galipeau said Allen remained quiet for the first month in prison and began acting “erratic” after receiving a letter from his lawyers. He said Allen began washing his face in the toilet, using the bathroom in his cell, tearing up mail and eating paper.

Several other corrections officers at Westville also testified that Allen repeatedly confessed to the murders.

Corrections Officer Michael Clemons told jurors he was a “suicide buddy” for Allen. He was assigned to record everything Allen said and did while on suicide watch.

Clemons told the court on April 6, 2023, that Allen confessed to killing the girls.

Clemons wrote in his notes that Allen said, “I’m so glad no one gave up on me after I killed Abby and Libby.” Clemons said Allen also said: “I, Richard Matthew Allen, killed Abby and Libby by myself. No one helped me.”

Clemons said Allen also shouted at other inmates, “I’m not crazy, I’m just acting crazy.”

During cross-examination, Clemons testified that he never felt that Allen’s behavior was genuine.

Defense attorney Brad Rozzi asked Clemons, “Can prison reach a man?” he asked. “Yes, it could be,” Clemons admitted.

Corrections Officer Ethan Drang also took the stand and told jurors that Allen confessed to him on April 5, 2023.

Drang said Allen told him, “I think coming to prison saved me from my depression and anxiety.”

Correctional Officer Michael Roberts was also a suicide buddy assigned to Allen.

There was a detailed record of the confessions Roberts said he had heard.

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On April 7, 2023, at 12:34 AM, Roberts wrote: Allen said: “Dear God, forgive me for abusing Abby, Libby, Kevin, and Chris. I want to confess. I know so much more.”

On April 23, 2023, Roberts wrote in his diary that at 2 p.m., Allen said, “I killed Abby.” and Libby. My wife was not involved. I want to confess.”

Later on April 26, 2023, Roberts wrote that Allen said: “Can I talk? Can you listen I killed Abby and Libby? How do I prove that I’m crazy?”

On June 18, 2023, Roberts heard Allen say at 3:30 p.m., “Why are you doing this? Do you know God? Do you know why I’m here? I killed Abby and Libby.” he noted.

Roberts said he saw obscene behavior to attract the attention of watching guards. He said he believed Allen was acting out of more than a mental health crisis.

On cross-examination, Roberts was pressed about Allen’s behavior behind bars. Defense attorney Brad Rozzi asked if Roberts had received any formal mental health training, and Roberts only gave the answers the state provided.

Roberts explained that Allen began smearing feces in his cell and would smear it on his face.

Roberts also testified that he remembered Allen banging his head against the wall for a long time and his face turning black and blue.

He also told the court that Allen refused to eat for long periods of time at some points.

Roberts admitted that some of Allen’s “suicide friends” had returned to the general population at the prison and were spreading information about the murder suspect.

Corrections Officer John Miller also testified; While confessing to the murders, Allen expressed a desire to “burn in hell.”

Miller testified that Allen harassed his sister and even told her he might touch her daughter.

Miller stated that while talking about all this, Allen experienced an erection.

Allen’s mouth was wide open and his eyes appeared surprised by the words, Miller testified Tuesday.

“I just killed them to give my family more time to be free,” Miller said at 6:56 a.m. on April 9, 2023, Allen said. Later, at 7:58 a.m., Allen said, “I’m sorry I killed those kids… I may have touched my daughter, I don’t remember.”

The jury asked Miller if it would be normal to act like Allen while refusing medication. “It’s possible,” Miller replied.

Corrections Officer Brandon Fisher testified on April 29, 2023, that Allen not only confessed to the murders, but also provided some details about what happened.

Fisher said Allen wanted to rape the girls, but panicked and killed them. Allen allegedly told Fisher that he killed the girls with a box cutter and threw them in a dumpster behind the CVS.

After 13 months, Allen in Westville was transferred to the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. Jason Bedwell, the corrections officer there, was called to the stand.

Bedwell testified on February 4, 2024, Allen once again confessed to the murders while crying and talking to himself. “I’m sorry for what I did. I’m sorry for killing them,” Bedwell said.

The court will continue the 11th day of the double murder trial on Wednesday.

Also Monday, Indiana State Police forensic examiner Stacy Bozinovski said: There is no DNA linking Allen to the murder scene. in Delphi, Indiana.