Day seven of the Delphi Murders Trial began with the testimony of Melissa Oberg. She is a former firearms examiner for the Indiana State Police.
She was responsible for examining the single .40 caliber Smith & Wesson Winchester cartridge found at the crime scene near the Monon High Bridge Trail. The cartridge was found between the bodies of Abby Williams and Libby German. The girls' bodies were found in the woods near the bridge in Delphi on February 14, 2017.
That unspent bullet or cartridge is significant evidence for the state's case against Richard Allen. The prosecution claims it ties Allen to the murder of the girls.
Oberg testified for more than an hour Friday morning. She discussed how a firearm works and an explanation of the various parts that make up a cartridge.
She explained to the jury how cartridge characteristics differ and why that is important. She also demonstrated to the jury how a semi-automatic pistol cycles cartridges — from the time it is in the magazine, how it moves into the chamber, and then is ejected, either automatically if the round has been fired or manually by racking the action.
Oberg talked about her initial observation of the cartridge found at the crime scene. She said she could see three ejector marks on the head, three extractor marks under the rim, miscellaneous marks on the primer, and various particles in the rim around the primer.
Special Judge Fran Gull ordered a break from the proceedings at 10:30 a.m. Testimony is expected to continue Friday morning and is expected to continue into the afternoon.
This web story will be updated when court breaks for lunch.
