Delphi, Indiana, double murder suspect Richard Allen made up stories while in a psychotic state, and claimed that “Satan killed the girls,” according to a neuropsychologist who testified for the defense.
Allen was arrested in the fall of 2022 for the murders of teens Libby German and Abby Williams. By the spring of 2023, he began confessing to the murders and his behavior took a turn, according to testimony from corrections officers and a psychologist.
Allen’s strange behavior included hitting his head on the wall, washing his face in the toilet, refusing food, eating paper, smearing feces in his cell and putting feces on his face for two hours, according to testimony from corrections officers.
Neuropsychologist Polly Westcott, who was hired by the defense in May 2023, testified Monday that Allen had depression and anxiety when he arrived in jail.
Westcott said she diagnosed Allen with dependent personality disorder, noting he was particularly dependent on his wife, Kathy.
When Allen was cut off from his wife, Westcott said, his depression became more pronounced and escalated into psychosis. Westcott said Allen experienced hallucinations, psychosis and suicidal ideation.