Delphi, Ind. — More than five years after the unsolved murders of teenagers Abigail “Abby” Williams and Liberty “Libby” German captivated the nation, a break in the case has brought it back into the spotlight. The girls, who were last seen hiking a popular trail near their hometown, became the subject of an intense investigation following their tragic deaths in early 2017. On Monday, jury selection began in the trial of Richard Allen, the man accused of their murders, possibly providing the small community of Delphi with some answers.
Allen, a 52-year-old pharmacy technician from Delphi, faces double murder charges. Despite his attorney’s assertions that Allen is innocent and maintaining a strong defense, the evidence laid out by prosecutors, including a bullet linked to Allen’s gun found near the crime scene, paints a grim picture of the day the teens disappeared.
The murders of Abby, 13, and Libby, 14, shocked their community and the nation. The girls had been enjoying an afternoon hike and capturing photos near an abandoned rail bridge when they went missing. Their bodies were discovered the following day, leading to a protracted search for their killer.
Carroll County Judge Frances Gull, overseeing the case, has imposed a gag order that limits public discussion by those involved with the trial. Citing intense media scrutiny, this order came shortly after Allen’s attorneys proposed trying the case outside the county to avoid a biased jury, though this was rejected. However, jurors will be sourced from Allen County and will be sequestered for the duration of the trial, expected to last about a month, highlighting the high-profile nature of this case.
The trial will unfold without electronic devices in the courtroom, following Judge Gull’s strict prohibitions aimed at maintaining the trial’s integrity. This has only heightened public interest, with the courtroom anticipated to be filled with the victims’ supporters.
One of the more tantalizing aspects of the case is an alleged confession by Allen. According to newly unsealed documents, Allen reportedly admitted to the murders during a phone call with his wife while in prison. This alleged confession has been bolstered by claims from other inmates and prison staff, whom prosecutors say Allen also confessed to. Conversely, Allen’s defense has cited his mental health issues, suggesting he was delusional at the time of these supposed admissions.
Adding a layer of complexity to the defense’s strategy, Allen’s lawyers had sought to introduce a theory involving Odinism, a Norse pagan religion, as a potential motive behind the murders, attributing them to a ritualistic sacrifice. This claim was quickly struck down by the court, which deemed it could confuse and mislead the jury, setting the stage for a closely watched legal battle.
As the trial progresses, the community of Delphi remains tightly knit, with locals clinging to the memories of the girls. Abby is remembered as a voracious reader who cherished playing with her cat and engaging in school volleyball. Libby, known for her love of painting and sports, is recalled as a vibrant part of her family’s life.
While the trial may offer some resolution, Abby’s and Libby’s families brace for a harrowing recount of events. Libby’s grandfather, Mike Patty, expressed the families’ determination for justice, emphasizing the long road ahead in achieving it.
Amid ongoing proceedings, Delphi holds out hope for closure in a case that has long cast a shadow over the small Indiana town. As the legal arguments unfold, the quest for answers to a tragedy that has lingered in the national consciousness continues, with the community and nation watching closely.