Richard Allen, a resident of Delphi, Indiana, was found guilty of the double murders of two teenage girls, Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14. The jury reached its verdict after four days of deliberation in a case that has haunted the community since the tragic events of February 13, 2017, when the two girls went missing while hiking on a local trail. Their bodies were discovered the following day, sparking a nationwide search for answers.
The evidence presented included a recording of a man’s voice from Libby’s phone, where he was heard saying “down the hill,” which became a crucial piece of the investigation. While Allen maintained his innocence, stating he was on the trail that day without any involvement in the crime, the prosecution pointed to multiple confessions he made while incarcerated, as well as forensic evidence linking his firearm to the scene.
Residents expressed a mix of relief and sorrow following the verdict, acknowledging the emotional toll the case has taken on the community over the past seven and a half years. Many expressed hope for healing, with one resident, Sarah Ausbrook, stating, “Today means some major healing for this community.” With the upcoming sentencing scheduled for December 20, the families continue to cope with their loss while the town of Delphi begins to find solace in the resolution of this heart-wrenching case.
While the conviction of Richard Allen does not erase the scars left by this tragedy, it opens the door for the community to heal and remember the girls in a way that honors their memory. Community members have shown resilience and compassion throughout this ordeal, and as justice has been served, there is hope that this will lead to a renewed sense of safety and connection among the residents of Delphi.