Richard Allen, 52, has been sentenced to 130 years in prison for the 2017 murders of teenagers Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, in Delphi, Indiana. The sentencing, held on December 20, 2024, concluded a case that has profoundly impacted the small community of Delphi and drawn national attention.
Background
On February 13, 2017, Libby and Abby went missing after embarking on a hike along Delphi’s Monon High Bridge Trail. Their bodies were discovered the following day near the trail, with both girls having suffered fatal injuries. The case remained unsolved for over five years, despite extensive investigations and public appeals for information.
Investigation and Arrest
A significant breakthrough occurred in October 2022 when Allen, a Delphi resident and pharmacy technician, was arrested and charged with the murders. Investigators linked him to the crime scene through ballistic evidence, notably an unspent .40-caliber bullet found near the victims that matched a firearm owned by Allen. Additionally, video footage recovered from Libby’s phone captured a man, later identified as Allen, instructing the girls to go “down the hill,” a directive believed to have been given shortly before their deaths.
Trial and Conviction
The trial commenced in October 2024, during which prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including Allen’s multiple confessions made while incarcerated. Witnesses testified to seeing Allen near the trail on the day of the murders, and forensic analysis connected the bullet to his gun. The jury deliberated for four days before returning a guilty verdict on November 11, 2024, convicting Allen on two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder.
Sentencing and Family Impact
During the sentencing, family members of the victims delivered emotional statements, expressing their enduring grief and the profound impact of the girls’ loss. Libby’s grandmother, Becky Patty, addressed Allen directly, stating, “You took away two bright lights from our lives, and for that, you will pay.” The judge described the crimes as among the most heinous she had encountered, imposing the maximum sentence of 65 years for each count, to be served consecutively.
Defense and Appeal
Allen’s defense team has maintained his innocence, suggesting alternative theories and questioning the investigation’s integrity. They have announced plans to appeal the conviction, citing concerns over the trial’s conduct and the handling of evidence. Despite these assertions, the court found the evidence against Allen overwhelming, leading to his conviction and sentencing.
Community Response
The resolution of this case brings a measure of closure to the Delphi community, which has been haunted by the tragedy for nearly eight years. Vigils and memorials have been held in honor of Libby and Abby, with community members expressing relief that justice has been served, while acknowledging that the pain of their loss endures.
As Allen begins his sentence, the families of Libby German and Abby Williams, along with the Delphi community, continue to mourn the loss of two young lives cut tragically short, while finding solace in the long-awaited justice delivered by the court.
