Tue Nov 05 23:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Day 15 of Delphi Double Homicide Trial: Defense Presents Mental Health Evidence, Witnesses Testify
**DELPHI, Indiana** – The trial of Richard Allen, accused of murdering Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017, continued on Monday with the defense presenting evidence focused on Allen’s mental state.
Dr. Polly Westcott, a neuropsychologist, testified that Allen had an extensive mental health history, including dependent personality disorder, which she said worsened during his time in prison, leading to depression and psychosis. Westcott performed a comprehensive evaluation of Allen, analyzing his mental health history and examining his behavior while in prison. She concluded that Allen’s mental state at the time of his confessions was significantly impacted by his dependence on his wife and the isolation of prison.
The defense also presented video footage of Allen in his prison cell, compiled by intern Max Baker, which showed him exhibiting unusual behavior. The footage, viewed by the jury, was described as causing visible unease and discomfort.
Allen’s half-sister and daughter, Jamie Jones and Brittany Zapanta, were called to the stand. They denied that Allen had ever molested them and affirmed they would not lie for him.
Further testimony came from Shelby Hicks, a witness who was on the hiking trail the day the girls disappeared. She recalled seeing two girls, an older man with a camera, and some children on the trail. Hicks said she never heard anything alarming during her time on the trail.
Investigator Steve Mullin, from the Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office, faced questioning about his search for Ford Focus vehicles similar to Allen’s and his logging of witness testimonies. The defense raised concerns about the thoroughness of Mullin’s investigation and questioned his previous statements about lost witness information.
Finally, Brad Weber, a witness who lives near the crime scene, was called to the stand. The defense questioned his previous statements regarding his activities on the day of the murders, highlighting inconsistencies between his initial account and his testimony.
The trial will resume on Tuesday morning with additional testimony expected.
First Piper 