THE DELPHI MURDERS: TRIAL BEGINS WITH LIBBY, 14, ABBY, 13, BODIES FOUND & SLIT THROATS
1Digest
The episode begins with an introduction to the Delphi murders trial, focusing on the gruesome details of the crime and the discovery of the girls' bodies. The episode then delves into the background of the murders, including the location of the crime, the victims' last known movements, and the initial investigation. The trial's opening statements are discussed, revealing graphic details about the crime scene and the cause of death. The episode also covers the evidence presented, including photos of the victims, witness testimony, and the discovery of a mystery hair. Witness testimony is highlighted, including the volunteer who found the girls' clothing and the witness who discovered the bodies. The episode also discusses the significance of the video recorded by the victims, which captured the killer's voice and appearance. Forensic analysis is explored, with experts discussing the potential use of a box cutter in the murders and the significance of the mystery hair. The episode also explores the possibility of a trophy-taking motive. The episode discusses the defendant's appearance in court and the jury selection process, highlighting the defendant's changed appearance and the efforts of the defense team to present him in a favorable light. The lack of DNA evidence linking the defendant to the crime scene and the significance of his numerous confessions are addressed. The episode also discusses the defendant's impulsive behavior and his tendency to retell the story of the murders. The episode explores the defense's strategy, which focuses on challenging the state's timeline and arguing that the defendant was not at the crime scene at the time of the murders. The episode also discusses the potential significance of the lack of DNA evidence. The episode concludes by highlighting the public interest in the trial and the emotional toll it has taken on the victims' families. A poignant interview with Becky Patti, who describes her experience searching for the girls and her inability to ask if they were alive or dead, is included.
Outlines
The Delphi Murders Trial: Evidence, Testimony, and Confessions
This episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" delves into the Delphi murders trial, examining the evidence, witness testimony, and the defendant's confessions, while highlighting the emotional toll on the victims' families. The episode begins with an introduction to the trial, focusing on the gruesome details of the crime and the discovery of the girls' bodies. The episode then delves into the background of the murders, including the location of the crime, the victims' last known movements, and the initial investigation. The trial's opening statements are discussed, revealing graphic details about the crime scene and the cause of death. The episode also covers the evidence presented, including photos of the victims, witness testimony, and the discovery of a mystery hair.
Witness Testimony and Key Evidence
Witness testimony is highlighted, including the volunteer who found the girls' clothing and the witness who discovered the bodies. The episode also discusses the significance of the video recorded by the victims, which captured the killer's voice and appearance. Forensic analysis is explored, with experts discussing the potential use of a box cutter in the murders and the significance of the mystery hair. The episode also explores the possibility of a trophy-taking motive.
Defendant's Appearance, Jury Selection, and Confessions
The episode discusses the defendant's appearance in court and the jury selection process, highlighting the defendant's changed appearance and the efforts of the defense team to present him in a favorable light. The lack of DNA evidence linking the defendant to the crime scene and the significance of his numerous confessions are addressed. The episode also discusses the defendant's impulsive behavior and his tendency to retell the story of the murders.
Defense Strategy and Timeline Challenges
The episode explores the defense's strategy, which focuses on challenging the state's timeline and arguing that the defendant was not at the crime scene at the time of the murders. The episode also discusses the potential significance of the lack of DNA evidence.
Public Interest and Family Impact
The episode concludes by highlighting the public interest in the trial and the emotional toll it has taken on the victims' families. A poignant interview with Becky Patti, who describes her experience searching for the girls and her inability to ask if they were alive or dead, is included.
Keywords
Delphi Murders
The Delphi murders refer to the 2017 killings of Liberty \"Libby\" German and Abigail \"Abby\" Williams, two teenage girls who were murdered while hiking in Delphi, Indiana. The case has garnered national attention due to the lack of a suspect and the chilling video recorded by the victims.
Monon High Bridge
The Monon High Bridge is a historic railroad bridge located in Delphi, Indiana, where the Delphi murders took place. The bridge is a popular hiking destination and was the last known location of the victims before their disappearance.
Down the Hill
\"Down the Hill\" is a phrase captured on the video recorded by the victims, which is believed to be the killer's voice. The phrase has become a key piece of evidence in the case and has been widely circulated in the media.
Box Cutter
A box cutter is a type of knife with a retractable blade, which is believed to have been used in the Delphi murders. The use of a box cutter has raised questions about the nature of the crime and the killer's intent.
Mystery Hair
A mystery hair was found in the hand of one of the victims during the autopsy. The hair was tested and found to belong to a female relative of the victims, not the defendant. The discovery of the hair has raised questions about the potential involvement of another person in the crime.
Consciousness of Guilt
Consciousness of guilt refers to behavior that suggests a person is aware of their guilt in a crime. In the Delphi murders case, the defendant's attempts to change his appearance and his numerous confessions have been interpreted as signs of consciousness of guilt.
Trophy Taking
Trophy taking is a behavior associated with some serial killers, where they take items from their victims as souvenirs. In the Delphi murders case, the discovery of the victims' clothing in a tree has raised questions about whether the defendant took trophies from the girls.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a social media app that allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after a short period of time. The victims in the Delphi murders case took Snapchat photos of themselves before their disappearance, which provided valuable information about their clothing and location.
Cell Phone Tower Data
Cell phone tower data can be used to track the location of a cell phone. In the Delphi murders case, the defense is using cell phone tower data to argue that the defendant was not at the crime scene at the time of the murders.
Q&A
What are the key pieces of evidence presented in the Delphi murders trial?
Key pieces of evidence include the video recorded by the victims, witness testimony, the discovery of the victims' clothing, the mystery hair found on one of the victims, and the defendant's numerous confessions.
What is the significance of the phrase \"Down the Hill\" captured on the video recorded by the victims?
The phrase \"Down the Hill\" is believed to be the killer's voice and has become a key piece of evidence in the case. It has been widely circulated in the media and has helped to identify potential suspects.
What is the defense's strategy in the Delphi murders trial?
The defense is challenging the state's timeline and arguing that the defendant was not at the crime scene at the time of the murders. They are also using cell phone tower data to support their claim.
What is the impact of the Delphi murders trial on the victims' families?
The trial has been emotionally draining for the victims' families, who have had to listen to excruciating testimony and see horrific crime scene photos. The episode highlights the resilience and strength of the families as they seek justice for their loved ones.
Show Notes
The trial of Richard Allen is underway at the Carroll County Courthouse, where seating is limited to 72 seats.
Cameras are prohibited in the courtroom, but the judge has designated 12 seats for media coverage. On the first day, after jurors arrived, journalists' cameras outside the courthouse were confiscated. Judge Fran Gull has warned the media not to follow or photograph jurors, who will be sequestered for the month-long trial.
Citizens hoping to attend the trial have been camping out, and for the first two days of testimony, anyone arriving after 2:30 a.m. could not secure a seat.
Despite years of coverage on the murders of Libby German and Abby Williams, police have never disclosed how the girls were killed. During his opening statement, Prosecutor Nick McLeland informed the jury, "You're going to see the crime scene. It was a gruesome scene.
Libby was completely naked. Her throat was cut, blood all over. Abby's throat was also cut."
The prosecution focused its case on three key points: the "Bridge Guy," the unspent bullet found at the crime scene, and the brutal murders of Libby and Abby near the Monon High Bridge.
Prosecutor McLeland outlined a timeline, stating that Libby posted a photo of Abby on Snapchat while they crossed the Monon High Bridge. After noticing a man behind them, Libby started recording on her phone at 2:13 p.m. on February 13, 2017. McLeland said the man pulled a gun and ordered the girls "down the hill." The girls complied, and the phone video then stopped recording.
McLeland added that Richard Allen admitted to being on the trail that day. Investigators later found a gun at his house, and testing showed that an unspent round found between the girls at the crime scene had been cycled through that gun.
McLeland also stated that Allen voluntarily confessed to the crime to both his wife and mother while in jail.
JOINING NANCY GRACE TODAY:
- Matthew Murphy - Former Orange County Homicide Prosecutor, ABC Legal Analyst, Criminal Defense Attorney, Matt Murphy Law, APC, and Author, The Book of Murder; X; @mattmurphylaw
- Dr. Bethany Marshall – Psychoanalyst, Author – “Deal Breaker,” featured in hit show: “Paris in Love” on Peacock;, Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive
- Sheryl McCollum – Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Founder & Host of New Podcast: “Zone 7;” X: @149Zone
- Joe Scott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, “Blood Beneath My Feet,” and Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;” X: @JoScottForensic
- Susan Hendricks – Journalist, Author: “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi’;” IG: @susan_hendricks X @SusanHendicks
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