Key Facts
Richard Allen, 52, was sentenced to 130 years in prison for the 2017 murders of Liberty "Libby" German, 14, and Abigail "Abby" Williams, 13, in Delphi, Indiana. The sentencing follows his conviction in November after a jury deliberated for 19 hours over three days. Allen received 65 years for each count of murder, with 760 days already served credited toward his sentence.
The Crime
On February 13, 2017, Libby and Abby disappeared while hiking on the Monon High Bridge trail in Delphi. They were reported missing that evening and found dead the next day with injuries, including cuts to their throats.
Audio evidence from Libby’s phone revealed a man instructing the girls to go "down the hill," and a video of the suspect was shared with the public. Despite these leads, the case went unsolved for over five years.
The Arrest and Trial
Allen, a local Delphi resident and CVS pharmacy employee, was arrested in October 2022 after police matched an unspent cartridge found at the crime scene to his firearm. He had previously placed himself near the scene during initial police interviews.
Over the course of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, including dozens of confessions Allen made to prison staff, psychologists, and inmates. Allen’s defense argued that his confessions were involuntary and cited his mental health issues.
Community and Family Reactions
During the sentencing, Libby’s grandfather, Mike Patty, thanked the jury, law enforcement, and the community for their support over the past eight years. Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter called the verdict a step toward healing for Delphi residents.
Timeline of the Investigation
February 13, 2017: Libby and Abby were last seen on the hiking trail.
February 14, 2017: Their bodies were discovered near the trail.
2017–2022: The case remained unsolved despite thousands of tips.
October 2022: Allen was arrested after a reexamination of evidence.
November 2023: Allen was convicted of murder.
What’s Next?
Allen's defense team has 30 days to file an appeal, arguing that the jury may not have heard a full account of the evidence. They previously suggested the killings were part of a pagan ritual, but this theory was excluded from the trial. Prosecutors maintain the evidence supports the conviction.
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