Richard Allen, a resident of Delphi, Indiana, has been found guilty of the double murders of his young neighbors, Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14. The jury delivered its verdict on Monday after four days of deliberation in a case that has haunted the community for over seven years. The discovery of the girls’ bodies near an abandoned railroad hiking trail on February 13, 2017, shocked the small town and prompted a prolonged period of grief and uncertainty for their families and the local residents.
Throughout the trial, which lasted four weeks, Allen was convicted on multiple counts, including felony murder for both girls while attempting to commit kidnapping. He appeared stoic in court, while his family members expressed their anguish. Upon the verdict, many residents of Delphi expressed relief and a sense of closure. Local resident Sarah Ausbrook shared that the community has felt the weight of the tragedy, and the verdict provides an opportunity for healing.
The investigation into the murders was extensive and complex, spanning over two years and involving multiple pieces of evidence. A significant element of the case included a recording made by Libby German, which captured the voice of the suspect instructing the girls to “down the hill.” Despite the absence of DNA evidence linking Allen to the crime scene, the prosecution relied on confessions made by Allen during his detention, which were scrutinized by both sides during the trial.
As the community begins to heal, many residents emphasized the importance of remembering Abby and Libby, noting that while justice has been served, the emotional scars will linger. Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, and as the town looks forward, there is a collective hope that this verdict will help restore a sense of safety and normalcy in Delphi.
In the wake of this verdict, it’s clear that the community is rallying around one another, sharing in both the sorrow of loss and a newfound direction towards healing. Many residents hope that this significant step will usher in a period of reflection and remembrance for the bright futures that Abby and Libby will never have.