Delphi murder trial: Prison officials say Richard Allen confessed multiple times to killing Libby German and Abbie Williams

DELPHI, Indiana — Testimony in the double murder trial of Richard Allen was given late Wednesday night.

Prison officials testified about Allen’s numerous confessions and behavior behind bars.

Libby, 14, and her best friend Abbie Williams, 13, were walking along a walking trail in rural Delphi when their throats were slashed and left in the woods on February 13, 2017. Their bodies were found the next day.

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

John Galipo, former warden of Westville Correctional Facility, spoke Tuesday.

Allen was held in prison for 13 months after his arrest in October 2022.

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

Galipo testified that Allen was allowed to shower three times a week, provided three sets of clothing, had access to tablets and was given rest time five days a week in a locked room.

It was also revealed that Allen was on suicide watch.

On March 5, 2023, Galipeau told jurors that Allen had written to him requesting an interview.

The request stated that he wanted to confess to killing Abby and Libby.

The written note said: “I am ready to officially confess to the murders of Abby and Libby. I hope I have the opportunity to tell the families I’m really sorry.”

Galipeau also told jurors that Allen admitted to throwing a utility knife in a dumpster behind the CVS where he worked in Delphi.

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

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

Several other Westville Correctional Facility officers also testified that Allen confessed to the killings on multiple occasions.

Corrections officer Michael Clemons told jurors he was Allen’s “suicide product.” He was tasked with recording everything Allen said and did during the suicide watch.

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

Clemons said he wrote into his notes Allen’s words: “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 myself. Nobody helped me.”

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

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

Defense attorney Brad Rozzi asked Clemons, “Can prison get to a person?” Clemons admitted, “Yes, it can.”

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

Drang said Allen told him, “I think being in prison has cured me of depression and anxiety.”

Correctional officer Michael Roberts was also Allen’s suicide accomplice.

Roberts kept a detailed log of the confessions he said he heard.

On April 7, 2023, Roberts wrote at 12:34 pm to Allen: “Dear Lord, Forgive me for harassing Abby, Libby, Kevin and Chris. I want to confess. I know much more.”

On April 23, 2023, Roberts recorded in his journal that at 2:00 p.m. Allen said, “I killed Abby. And Libby. My wife was not involved in this. I want to confess.”

Then, on April 26, 2023, Roberts wrote that Allen said, “Can I talk? Can you listen, I killed Abby? And Libby? How can I prove that I’m crazy?

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

Roberts said he saw outrageous acts to get the attention of the guards watching over him. He went on to say that he believed Allen was simply faking it and was not simply suffering from a mental health crisis.

During 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, to which Roberts responded only with what was provided by the state.

Roberts said Allen began smearing feces around his cell and applying it to his face.

Roberts also testified that he remembers Allen hitting his head against a wall for a long time at one point, causing his face to turn black and blue.

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

Roberts acknowledged that some of Allen’s “fellow suicides” were returning to the prison population and spreading information about the murder suspect.

Correctional officer John Miller also testified; Allen expressed his desire to “burn in hell” after confessing to the murders.

Miller said Allen said he molested his sister and may have even touched his daughter.

Miller testified that Allen had an erection as he talked about all this.

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

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

Jurors asked Miller if it was okay to act like Allen by refusing his medications. Miller replied, “It’s possible.”

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

Fisher said Allen wanted to rape the girls but panicked and ended up killing them. Allen allegedly told Fisher that he killed the girls with a utility knife and threw it in a dumpster behind the CVS.

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

Bedwell testified on February 4, 2024: Allen again confessed to the murders, crying and talking to himself. Bedwell said: “I regret what I did. Sorry for killing them.”

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

Also Monday, Indiana State Police Medical Examiner Stacy Bozinowski said: no DNA linked Allen to the murder scene in Delphi, Indiana.