A 136-page court filing, a mysterious and ancient religion, and a courtroom drama waiting to unfold. These are the elements surrounding the recent developments in Richard Allen's case. It was not just the length but the content of the filing that has captivated many: the claims of odinism and ritualistic sacrifice. But is it a strategic move or an overshare?
 
 In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski had an insightful conversation with Neama Rahmani, an attorney and former Federal prosecutor. The duo delved deep into the recently released court document that was made public for a brief period before it was sealed again. Rahmani weighed in on the surprising inclusion of references to "odinism" and its potential relevance to the case.
 
 “You don’t need, this whole sort of... Alibi, odinism thing, save that for the jury,” said Rahmani, expressing his astonishment at the revelations contained in the motion. He pointed out that defense attorneys typically don't reveal a strong defense in such filings, especially not in this manner, giving the prosecution ample time to prepare.
 
 However, the twists didn't end there. The document was unsealed only momentarily, allowing many to access its content, before being sealed again. The very act of sealing the document and the subsequent unsealing fueled speculation. Rahmani questioned such practices, stating, “I believe that court filings are public, court hearings are public, the public has a right to access,” a sentiment he strongly feels is supported by law.
 
 Rahmani also discussed the contrasting narratives presented. On one hand, there's Richard Allen, a seemingly ordinary CVS pharmacy worker with a wife and children. On the other hand, there’s this outlandish theory of a ritualistic killing tied to odinism. Neither narrative seems solid, with both lacking concrete evidence.
 
 The prosecution, for its part, described the defense's filing as “colorful, dramatic and highly unprofessional”. Rahmani's stance on this was more reserved. He felt the term "unprofessional" was heavy, associating it more with unethical behavior rather than just a surprising courtroom strategy. He admitted that while the defense's approach was certainly unorthodox, possibly untrue, he wouldn't go as far as to label it unprofessional.
 
 Yet, amidst all the drama, there remains a serious and glaring question: What evidence does the prosecution hold against Richard Allen? The consensus appears to be that they need more than just a grainy video. Rahmani echoed this sentiment, “We’ve all seen it, but something that connects Allen to these murders, because I don’t think you can go with just the video.”
 
 Time will only tell how these revelations will shape the course of Richard Allen's trial. The defense's strategy, be it a calculated move or an impulsive one, has certainly added an unexpected twist. However, as Rahmani concluded, the defense would need far stronger evidence if they intend to take this 'odinist ritual' route during the actual trial.
 
 But here's an intriguing question to ponder: Are such courtroom surprises merely tactical plays, or are they reflective of deeper, unforeseen intricacies within the justice system itself?
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