Jury Begins Deliberating Fate of Indiana Man Charged in 2017 Killings of 2 Teenage Girls

Background

The jury in the trial of an Indiana man charged with the 2017 murders of two teenage girls began deliberating on Tuesday. The man, 22-year-old Richard Allen, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder, child molestation, and criminal confinement.

The bodies of the two girls, 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German, were found in February 2017 in a wooded area near Delphi, Indiana. The girls had been dropped off for a hike on the Delphi Historic Trails that day and were reported missing when they did not return home.

Police arrested Richard Allen in October 2022 after linking him to the scene through DNA evidence. They also found child pornography on his phone.

Trial

The trial began on January 23, 2023, and has lasted for three weeks. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Allen's DNA being found on the victims' bodies and clothing. They also presented evidence that Allen was seen on a nearby trail the day of the murders, and that he had a history of sexually abusing young girls.

The defense has argued that Allen is innocent and that the evidence against him is circumstantial. They also argued that the DNA evidence could have been planted and that the prosecution's timeline of events is inaccurate.

Conclusion

The jury is now deliberating the case. If Allen is convicted of the murders, he could face life in prison. The verdict is expected to be announced in the coming days.