DELPHI MURDERS TRIAL: ‘No indication of faking or any type of exaggeration,’ neuropsychologist testifies about Richard Allen’s mental health

DELPHI, Ind. (WPTA) - 52-year-old Richard Allen is charged with the murders of 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German.

Abby and Libby disappeared during a hike on Feb. 13, 2017, near the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi. Their bodies were discovered in the woods near that trail a day later.

Allen's trial began on Oct. 18. It's expected to last through Nov. 15.

The 15th day of trial began in Carroll County around 9 a.m. on Nov. 4.

The defense called their 12th witness to the stand, Dr. Polly Wescott. Wescott is a neuropsychologist who closely reviewed Richard Allen's mental health status.

Wescott reviewed video and phone calls from Allen's time at Westville Correctional Facility. She also sat down with him to perform evaluations.

Wescott determined Allen was suffering from severe mental health issues. She says there was "No indication of faking or any type of exaggeration" for his actions in prison. She says she found consistency among all tests that Allen was suffering from psychosis.

She also noted there was a clear distinction of Allen's mental health decline within four months of arriving at Westville.

During cross-examination, the defense asked Wescott if a person who is in a psychotic state could still make accurate statements. Wescott said that is possible.