Delphi murders trial continues | 12:30 p.m. update, Oct. 18, 2024

Special Judge Frances Gull read the jury their instructions, and both the prosecution and defense made their opening statements to the jury.

Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland said the state's case centers on the man on the Monon High bridge, an unspent bullet found at the scene, and the murders of Abby and Libby.

"The last face the girls saw before their throats were slit was Richard Allen's face," McLeland said.

Defense attorney Andrew Baldwin said the state's case was built on a faulty timeline and evidence that didn't match up. He highlighted witness statements and forensic evidence that cast doubt on the state's case.

"Please wait," Baldwin said in closing. "Richard Allen is truly innocent."

The state's first witness was Becky Patty, Libby German's grandmother. Becky said the last thing she said to Libby was to wear a jacket, which Libby responded, "Grandma, I'll be OK." Becky wiped away tears as she recounted this.

Libby's sister, Kelsi Siebert, took the stand next. She was the one who drove the girls to the trail. She said Libby "was more my best friend than my sister."

Libby and Kelsi's dad, Derrick German, took the stand next. He told the jury he made the girls banana pancakes the day they disappeared. He was out searching for the girls when he learned they had been found.

"I saw the coroner go by and saw 12 cop cars go by," Derrick remembered. "So I went to find Kelsi."

[sharonm]

Thank you for the great update on what’s happening so far. My heart is with the families and friends of the girls, may they all feel the support and compassion from everyone as they go through these difficult days ahead. ❤❤

[timothyfreeseha]

Terrible to have to hear this evidence.unimaginable to have to see the crime scene. I know if they were my children this would be very personal and it would be difficult to have strangers looking, commenting. It takes a lot of strength to go through this process. I wish these families, these friends, the strength they need to do what they have to do .

[willytaylor]

Wow his DNA was not found on the bodies? Then he is innocent. You don't do what happened to those girls and not leave any DNA.