Richard Allen trial: judge bars cult theory in Delphi murders case

Richard Allen, 51, is facing trial for the murders of teenage friends Abby Williams and Libby German, who were killed on February 13, 2017. The court has ruled that Allen's defense cannot introduce the theory of an Odinist cult or mention other suspects during the trial. This decision follows a request from prosecutors to suppress evidence related to the defense's claims, which allege that the murders were ritualistic sacrifices by a pagan cult hijacked by white nationalists. Allen has maintained his innocence, asserting that he is not involved in the killings. His defense team has suggested that there were 'Odinism signatures' at the crime scene, including the positioning of the victims' bodies. However, the judge has stated that the defense must demonstrate a connection between Odinism and the other suspects to present this argument in court. The trial is set to begin in October, and the judge has indicated that the defense may still present evidence if they can establish a link. Meanwhile, Allen's alleged confessions to the murders have been a focal point of the prosecution's case, with testimonies from law enforcement detailing his admissions made in jailhouse calls. The case has been marked by significant delays and controversies since the murders, which were initially unsolved for five years despite the existence of a video showing a man on the trail. The upcoming trial will be closely watched as it unfolds, given the serious nature of the charges and the complexities surrounding the evidence and defense strategies.