Appellate case file · Indiana

Delphi Murders: Trial and Appeal

A careful review of the investigation, Richard Allen’s trial record, contested evidence, conviction, sentence, and the issues now before the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Research status: Direct appeal under advisement · Updated September 27, 2026

Where the case stands

A jury found Richard Allen guilty on four counts on November 11, 2024. The trial court later imposed two consecutive 65-year terms. His direct appeal challenges multiple trial rulings, including issues involving the search warrant, confessions, excluded defense evidence, expert testimony, and cumulative error. The Indiana Court of Appeals heard argument on September 21, 2026 and took the case under advisement.

Trial evidence

Allen’s presence on the trail and the Bridge Guy identification theory.
The unspent cartridge and disputed toolmark methodology.
Witness sequence, vehicle evidence, confessions, and the van detail.

Appeal issues

Warrant accuracy and preservation of claimed errors.
Confinement, psychosis, voluntariness, and reliability of statements.
Excluded sketch, expert, ritual, and third-party evidence.

What the appeal is not

It is not a new jury trial.
Questioning at oral argument does not reveal the final decision.
Internet claims do not become evidence unless part of the record.

Key timeline

February 13–14, 2017: Abigail Williams and Liberty German disappear near the Monon High Bridge and are found deceased the following day.
October 28, 2022: Richard Allen is arrested and charged.
November 11, 2024: The jury returns guilty verdicts on four counts.
December 20, 2024: The court imposes a total sentence of 130 years.
September 21, 2026: The Court of Appeals hears oral argument and takes the case under advisement.

Selected sources

Evidence note: Use “unspent cartridge,” not “fired bullet.” The reported absence of a DNA or fingerprint link does not mean there was no evidence. Party briefs are advocacy documents; the written appellate decision will control.