DELPHI, Ind. — On Nov. 11, 2024, a jury found Richard Allen guilty of murder in the deaths of Abby Williams and Libby German in February 2017.
The jury deliberated for approximately 19-20 hours, after a trial that lasted about three weeks. You can learn about each day's testimony by clicking here.
The prosecution team and the families of the girls were overcome by emotion, weeping as they embraced. Allen turned to his wife and asked if she was OK.
As she left the courthouse, Kathy Allen said, "This isn't over at all."
There are still many developments yet to come in the case. Here's what is still outstanding, and when we could get answers:
Sentencing Richard Allen
Allen left the courthouse in handcuffs. The safekeeping order that led to Allen being held at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility has not been lifted, so Allen may still be held there until his sentencing hearing on Dec. 20, 2024.
Allen faces a sentence between 45 and 130 years. He was convicted on four counts, but he will be sentenced on only one per girl because he cannot be sentenced twice for the same act. The sentence for murder is between 45 and 65 years. If Allen's sentences run consecutively, that could mean a sentence of up to 130 years. If the sentences run concurrently, that could be as low as 45 years.
The advisory sentencing for judges to consider for murder starts at 55 years, and then the judge can lower the sentence or raise it, depending on mitigating and aggravating factors.
When can Richard Allen appeal?
Richard Allen cannot appeal his conviction until he is sentenced. Then, he will have 30 days to file a notice of appeal to the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Allen would not necessarily keep the same defense attorneys. His current team was court-appointed, and not all attorneys handle appeals cases.
When can the families speak?
Since shortly after Richard Allen was charged, almost everyone involved in the case has been under a gag order. They have not been able to speak to the media. That gag order will lift after Allen is sentenced.