Psychiatrist testifies about Richard Allen’s behavior, isolation in Delphi murder trial

DELPHI, Ind. (WNDU) – We’re into the 16th day of testimony as the trial continues for the man accused of killing two teenage girls in Delphi more than seven years ago.

Richard Allen, 52, is accused of crimes of 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German. Abby and Libby went missing during a hike on February 13, 2017, near the Monon High Bridge Trail. Their bodies were discovered in the woods near that trail a day later.

Allen’s trial began on October 18 and is expected to last until mid-November.

Conformable our sister station WHHRthe state filed a motion seeking to prevent the defense from calling a psychiatrist to the stand. However, Special Judge Frances Gull allowed it.

Dr. Stuart Grassian specializes in isolation, false memories and false confessions. He told the jury that Allen’s psychotic behavior at Westville Correctional Center was “perfectly consistent” with the effects of solitary confinement.

Grassian said he noticed symptoms of delirium in Allen’s phone calls to other people and said delirium can lead to the development of false memories, such as beginning to believe and imagine things that did not happen.

Another witness who works with firearms and crime scene reconstruction was called to testify Tuesday morning. Dr. Erin Warren detailed how cycled and unfired cartridges can receive markings.

Testimony continues Tuesday afternoon.

To take a look back at all of our previous coverage of this ongoing process, click here.

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