6 jurors seated so far in Delphi murders trial

ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. – Six people have been chosen to sit on the jury in the Delphi murders trial after jury selection began Monday in Allen County.

Richard Allen faces four counts of murder in connection with the February 2017 deaths of Abby Williams and Libby German near the Monon High Bridge. Indiana State Police announced his arrest in October 2022.

Around 300 summons were sent to prospective Allen County jurors. Eventually, 12 jurors and four alternates will be selected.

The three-day process of culling the jury pool began in Allen County on Monday. During the proceedings, six jurors were seated. Six additional potential jurors were excluded, including one individual who claimed to have psychic abilities.

Six jury seats remain open, as do positions for four alternates. The jury will be sequestered for up to a month as it decides Allen’s fate.

During Monday’s proceedings, Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland told prospective jurors that Allen is the “Bridge Guy” who killed the girls and whose image was widely seen in a grainy still taken from Libby German’s phone.

The prosecution said an unspent round found next to the bodies matches a gun owned by Allen. The state also said Allen has confessed dozens of times.

Defense attorney Bradley Rozzi said Allen made those confessions under duress. He also suggested infighting between federal and local law enforcement left some evidence unanalyzed.

The prosecution seemed to indicate it may not have conclusive DNA or phone data or weapon evidence. The defense appeared to lay the groundwork to keep Allen off the witness stand.

Jury selection is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.