Richard Allen Found Guilty in the Delphi Murders of Libby German and Abby Williams
Richard Allen has been found guilty in the highly publicized Delphi murder case involving two teenage girls, Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13.
Their bodies were discovered near a creek off a hiking trail in Delphi, Indiana, in February 2017, after the two went missing while hiking.
Abigail Williams, Richard Allen and Liberty German. Photo: Indiana State Police
The jury convicted Allen on four counts of murder after four days of deliberation. Allen’s trial, which began on October 18, revealed disturbing details as prosecutors shared that the girls’ throats had been cut. According to courtroom reports, Libby was found naked and covered in blood, while Abby was discovered wearing Libby's clothing.
For five years, investigators struggled to identify a suspect. However, in 2022, Allen was arrested after authorities allegedly linked him to the crime scene through items found in his home, including knives and a firearm associated with a bullet found at the scene.
While awaiting trial, Allen reportedly confessed to the murders in a phone call with his wife, according to statements from prosecutors. During the trial, his attorney, Andrew Baldwin, argued that this confession was made when Allen was in a compromised mental state.
In closing arguments, prosecutor Nick McLeland emphasized Allen's alleged confession, stating, “He kidnapped them and later murdered them. He slit their throats. He stole the youth and life away from Abby and Libby.”
The defense team raised questions about the prosecution’s timeline and challenged the identification of Allen as the individual seen in a video walking on the trail near the murder scene, known as the "bridge guy." Defense attorney Brad Rozzi argued, “Something’s not right,” and cast doubt on the state’s portrayal of events and witnesses.
Allen’s attorneys also introduced a theory that members of the Odinist faith—a Norse pagan religion with connections to White nationalist groups—could have committed the murders as a ritual sacrifice. However, the judge ruled that this theory could not be presented due to insufficient evidence.
Liberty’s grandfather, Mike Patty, has spoken about how the two best friends shared a love for sports and hiking, remembering their close bond.
