Expert provides analysis on Richard Allen’s confessions being allowed in trial

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The numerous confessions Richard Allen has made about the murder of Libby German and Abby Williams have been cleared to be brought up during trial.

The defense attorneys are claiming the confessions made were false.

Jody Madeira, a professor of law at Indiana University, says the defense would have likely pointed conditions at the prison.

"I do think they're going to do everything possible just to establish that it was his mental state," says Madeira.

The prosecution wants the confessions to be a part of the trial because it could potentially be a hard thing for jurors to forget.

Madeira says with the confessions allowed to be talked about, it changes the game.

The defense will now be focusing on the details that Allen got wrong.

"It's not that they have to prove someone else did this, Richard Allen is on trial," says Madeira. "So, if they can prove that there is enough reasonable doubt that this man did not commit this crime, then the jury cannot convict because the standard is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."

The prosecution will be using the numerous confessions to connect the details that Allen got correct. But, for the defense... doubt is the key.

The trial continues Thursday morning. Judge Gull will be hearing other motions from the prosecution and defense. Then, Friday the trial moves to Carroll County for the remainder.