Expert in Delphi murder trial links unused cartridge to Richard Allen

Friday in Carroll County District Court revolved around one small detail: an unused cartridge found at the crime scene where two teenagers were found dead was linked to Richard Allen of Delphi.

Allen, 52, is accused of murdering two teenagers who went missing on February 13, 2017 and were found dead the next day. He was arrested in 2022 and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of kidnapping resulting in death Abigail “Abby” Williams and Liberty “Libby” Herman.

Melissa Oberg, an Indiana State Police firearms expert, testified that her analysis linked unspent tour Allen’s Sig Sauer Model P226 .40 caliber pistol was found between Abby and Libby’s bodies. On cross-examination, she said the error rate in the firearms testing industry is about 2 percent, and she doesn’t know of ever making a mistake in her 17 years on the job.

Journalists from Indianapolis Star and Lafayette Journal & Courier will cover the case as it moves through the court system.

Friday, October 25: Jurors in Delphi trial hear from expert who linked Allen’s gun to unexpended round at crime scene

Thursday, October 24: Richard Allen was not on the radar of Delphi researchers. Then the volunteer found the tip box.

This story will be updated throughout the day.