Seven years after Libby German and Abby Williams were killed, the trial continues for the man accused of murdering them.
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Defense's 12th witness, Dr. Polly Wescott, a forensic psychologist
9:10 a.m. - The defense's 12th witness is Dr. Polly Wescott, a neuropsychologist who specializes in forensic psychiatry.
In May of 2023, Wescott started working with Allen's defense team at a rate of $450 an hour.
Wescott has testified as a witness for both the state and various defense teams.
Wescott said she worked with inmates at Wabash Valley Prison and the Indiana Women's Prison. Wescott has also worked with police crisis intervention teams.
Wescott said when the defense team reached out they wanted her to do three things:
- Look at Allen's mental health history.
- Do a neuropsychological exam
- Determine the breadth and context for his mental decline during the time of his confession.
Wescott started off with Allen's mental health history and records. Wescott said she watched and listened to Allen. She also watched "extensive video footage" and "listened to phone calls" Allen made from prison.
Wescott said it is "very unusual" to get to see 20 hours of video footage of a patient and review suicide watch notes.
Wescott said she saw Westville and Wabash Valley video and information through March of 2024.
Wescott met with Allen in August of 2023 and performed an evaluation. Wescott said this was a two hour evaluation and a five hour test over two days.