Delphi, IN — The small town of Delphi, Indiana, found a moment of reluctant closure as a local jury convicted 52-year-old Richard Allen of the murders of two young girls, whose tragic end had haunted the community since 2017. The verdict followed a tense and emotionally charged trial that gripped not only the town but also national observers and online sleuths drawn to the case by its chilling details and protracted investigation.
On a cold day in February 2017, best friends Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, vanished while hiking on the historic Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi. Their disappearance triggered a massive search that ended tragically the next day with the discovery of their bodies near the trail. The case remained unsolved for years, evoking widespread media attention and leading to thousands of tips from the public.
Fast forward to 2022, after years of dead ends, Allen’s arrest marked a significant breakthrough. A misfiled tip had delayed his apprehension; however, it resurfaced and pointed to his presence at the crime scene. Further investigation led to the discovery of knives and firearms at his home, including a gun linked to an unspent round found near where the girls were discovered, intensifying suspicions about his involvement.
Allen pleaded not guilty to the charges. Reports emerged that he had made several confessions to family members and prison staff during his time in solitary confinement, but questions about his mental stability at the time were raised by the defense. A witness during the trial testified to seeing a man resembling Allen, disheveled and covered in mud and blood, near the murder site on the day of the killings.
The prosecution argued meticulously about Allen’s presence at the scene, referencing the last photo Libby posted on Snapchat that showed Abby on the bridge shortly before they went missing. Libby had also managed to record a grainy video capturing a man on the bridge who was later dubbed as “bridge guy” by investigators. His image and a brief audio clip in which he could be heard saying, “Guys, down the hill,” became critical pieces of evidence distributed widely in the media.
As the trial unfolded over two weeks, both sides presented their cases under high scrutiny. On the defense’s side, there were claims suggesting an alternative scenario involving a ritual act by a local cult, which the court dismissed. Allen’s attorney criticized the investigation’s handling and described his client as a “fragile egg,” questioning the reliability of the inquiry.
In contrast, Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland, in his closing statement, emphasized the gravity of the loss. “Bridge Guy stole the youth and light out of Abby and Libby,” he lamented, pointing to how a seemingly normal day turned tragic.
When the jury, after less than 20 hours of deliberation, returned guilty verdicts on all counts, the courtroom was enveloped in raw emotion. Allen’s stoic demeanor shifted as he inquired about his family’s well-being. Outside, a mix of relief and sorrow filled the air; tears and cheers echoed as the victims’ families and supporters processed the outcome.
Richard Allen is slated for sentencing on December 20. Until then, a gag order remains in place, silencing official comment from the families involved. Reflecting on the long journey toward justice, Libby’s sister Kelsi shared a poignant photo of the two girls, their smiles persisting in the face of grief, their memory urging a community to never forget. Her caption, simple yet profound: “Nearly eight years, today was the day.”
As Delphi continues to heal, this case leaves behind a legacy of sorrow, resilience, and a reminder of the justice system’s complexities. It also showcases the undeniable impact of community engagement in solving crimes, highlighting the importance of persistence in the face of unanswered questions.