Indiana man wants new trial in killing of teens where pagan ritual evidence can be introduced

Richard Allen, serving 130 years in prison for killing two teenage girls, Abigail Williams (13) and Liberty German (14), is seeking to overturn his convictions. The murders occurred in 2017 in Delphi, Indiana, becoming one of the state's most closely followed unsolved cases until Allen was arrested more than five years later.

Allen’s attorneys argue that he confessed while suffering from a psychological crisis and claim that evidence should have been allowed suggesting an unknown pagan cult committed the murders. The defense wanted to introduce testimony by an expert who would assert that Odin worshippers conducted the killings as a ritual sacrifice based on various clues at the crime scene.

Prosecutors counter these claims, stating some of Allen’s confessions were made before he showed signs of mental illness and continued even after his condition improved. They also argue there was sufficient evidence to convict Allen without his admissions, including video footage where Libby recorded a suspicious man saying "Down the hill" near the crime scene.

The case is set for arguments at the Indiana Court of Appeals on Monday. If successful, this appeal could potentially lead to a new trial and further investigation into whether pagan rituals were involved in the killings or if Allen was unfairly convicted based on his mental health status during confession sessions.