In a shocking court filing on Monday, September 18, defense attorneys for a man charged with the 2017 ritualistic murders of two teen girls have put forth a theory that challenges the prosecution’s narrative.

The 136-page memorandum claims that the girls, Libby German and Abby Williams, were not killed by Richard Allen, but were instead victims of a ritualistic sacrifice by members of a pagan cult associated with the Odinist religion, which has ties to white nationalism. This religious sect allegedly carried out the murders and staged the crime scene to reflect their beliefs.

Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, from Delphi, Indiana, vanished after capturing phone video of a man on an abandoned railway bridge who ordered them to “go down the hill.” One of the girls claimed he had a gun. Their bodies were discovered the following day, approximately half a mile from the bridge. Allen’s arrest in October 2022 for the murders sent shockwaves throughout the community and the nation.

Providing a graphic depiction of the crime scene, the defense contends that the girls’ throats were slit, and their bodies arranged using sticks and branches to resemble runic symbols linked to Odin. Additionally, they claim that one of these symbols was painted using blood from one of the girls. The memorandum lists more than 40 steps that Allen would have needed to take to stage the scene, emphasizing the unlikelihood of an individual orchestrating such an intricate scenario.

Furthermore, the defense alleges that police have overlooked crucial evidence suggesting that the deaths might have been a coordinated effort by several individuals involved in the Odinist cult. They argue that the investigation focused too narrowly on Allen as the sole perpetrator, leading to potential key evidence and suspects being ignored.

While prosecutors maintain that Allen confessed to the murders multiple times during prison phone calls, the defense questions the reliability of these confessions, attributing them to Allen’s mental health issues. Adding to the complexity of the case, Allen’s attorneys argue that investigators mishandled evidence and lied to obtain a search warrant for Allen’s property.

Despite the significant claims made in the memorandum, prosecutors have yet to respond. This filing introduces a fresh and controversial perspective on a case that has captured national attention for years. The trial is set to begin on January 8, 2024, and is anticipated to draw considerable media attention as both sides present their evidence and narratives in court.