Cameras will be prohibited at the upcoming Delphi trial. After 7 years, it’s time for transparency.
If you would like the most detailed court notes possible (to be released each day of the Delphi murders trial), please consider supporting my project: Using Shorthand To Record the Delphi Trial Link: https://ko-fi.com/clights [or, you can use the donation button at the bottom of this article. Thank you! 🙂 ]
There’s something about the Delphi case that grabs ahold of certain people and refuses to let go. This pull became evident to me in 2018 as I was helping to cover a press conference. Starting the day with just a basic understanding of the case, by evening l found myself totally immersed, exploring every available detail online, a significant portion of which had been diligently assembled by a dedicated and passionate online community.
“Why Abby and Libby? Why Delphi?”
From the beginning, followers have shown a steadfast commitment to seeing the investigation through to its end, despite the sparse information made available —a case spotlit, yet silent. Recently, there was a sense of tempered hope that the upcoming trial, now at the peak of public interest, would be broadcast. Unfortunately, this will not happen.
Several months ago, hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, I began brainstorming methods that could give the public highly detailed records of proceedings the same day they occur, in a courtroom that prohibits electronic devices. For 6 years, I’ve assisted with transcribing press conferences, interviews, and court hearings for CrimeLights to maintain an accessible written archive of crucial case materials. Though computers or cameras won’t make it through the Carroll County Courthouse doors… the pen proves mightier than the sword.
In early January, I enrolled in a course to learn shorthand, a pen-on-paper method that uses symbols to record the spoken word. Sans electronics, it is the fastest and most effective way to transcribe. Studying shorthand is almost like learning a new language. It can take years to master, and those proficient in it can write faster than people can talk! Beyond the coursework, I dedicate 1-2 hours each day to practice, and I’ve been truly amazed by the effectiveness of this system.
To get as much detail as possible out to the community as fast as possible, I am more than willing to attend trial, record precise notes in shorthand, and publish them the same day. This, combined with the talents and expertise of others who will be attending the proceedings and offering updates, should give a thorough picture of what is occurring, moment-by-moment.
Living across the country from Indiana, I will need to arrange travel/hotel/transportation and have created a fundraiser to help facilitate this project. Supporters will get early access to the daily trial notes, and also receive an invite to a private group chat, where I will provide updates and answer questions during each break, every day. Your first name will also be listed on the thank you page.
(At the bottom of this article is a donation button, which is super simple to use & processed through KoFi, a well known, secure donation platform. Or, use the direct link at: Link to Trial Transcript – Delphi Fundraising Page- https://ko-fi.com/clights – Thank you!)
With the trial rapidly approaching, the fundraiser will be active for a week, as I will need to book a flight/hotel as soon as possible and set everything in stone. (At home I have a cat, dog, and gerbils, and volunteering in wildlife rescue and rehab makes the household extra lively! God bless the pet sitter brave enough to manage this menagerie, plus any flying squirrels or raccoons that might join the mix in the next few weeks, haha!)
Your support is invaluable and deeply appreciated. While we can’t control the court’s broadcasting decision, how we respond remains within our power. Thanks to the diverse talents, knowledge, and backgrounds the community has cultivated over the past 7 years, we’re equipped to turn barriers into opportunities for transparency.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! – Elle, CrimeLights
