2017 Delphi Murders: Suspect charged in killing of teen girls

Delphi Murders

Synopsis: In connection with the 2017 Delphi murders of two teenage best friends, Libby German and Abby Williams, a 50-year-old local man has been been arrested.

On February 13, 2017, the two girls were killed while hiking on a trail. After a five-year investigation, the Indiana State Police have charged a 50-year-old local man with the murders of two teenage best friends, Libby German and Abby Williams, in Delphi. The state police took the first step toward justice for the brutally murdered teenagers at a press conference on Monday.

Delphi Murders

DELPHI, IN – Monday at a news conference Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter announced that Richard Allen, of Delphi, Indiana, has been arrested in connection with the 2017 murders of eighth-graders Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14.

Best friends Libby and Abby were killed in the middle of the day on a hiking trail in rural Delphi on Feb. 13, 2017.

The shocking slayings shook the small Indiana town and sparked national interest.

This is the first time a suspect in the mysterious double murder has been named. The police have yet to reveal how the girls were killed.

Police speak directly to the Delphi killer: ‘Today could be the day — sleep well’

No one was arrested in the Delphi murders case for almost five years.

The trail in Delphi, Indiana, where Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14, were killed on Feb. 13, 2017.

This weekend marks five years since the slayings of two eighth-grade girls on a local hiking trail in Delphi, Indiana, a close-knit town of nearly 3,000 residents, a devastating crime that stripped families of their innocence and thrust the rural community into an unsolved murder mystery.

On February 13, 2017, best friends Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14, were enjoying a day off from school in Delphi, about 70 miles north of Indianapolis. They set out on the trail and never returned home.

There appears to be substantial evidence in the case, ranging from audio and video footage of the suspect to a new social media lead, but no arrests were made until Monday. Police are also refusing to reveal crucial details about the crime, such as the cause of death, which experts say is unusual.

They also claim that the advantage of maintaining secrecy and following cryptic leads in the case may have passed.

Despite this, the families continue to have faith in the Indiana State Police chief, Doug Carter, who has urged them to continue to hold his feet to the fire.

“We know a lot about you… today could be the day — sleep well,” Carter said to the assassin.

What do we know about Delphi Murders?

Richard Allen booking photo

The police made announcements about the Delphi murder case. Allen is a pharmaceutical technician who is married. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. This case’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for January.

The Indiana State Police Superintendent is pleased with the arrest of the Delphi murder suspect. However, he stated that it is not a day to rejoice because the teens’ families are forced to live without them.

Allen was arrested and booked into the Carroll County Jail on Wednesday. State police and law enforcement have refused to provide additional information about the ongoing investigation. According to reports, Allen was transferred to the White Country jail for his safety.

Delphi murders: Richard Allen booking photo (right) compared to original sketch of suspect released in 2017 (top left) and later sketch released in 2019 (bottom left)

According to ISP and Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland, the probable cause affidavit for Allen’s arrest and subsequent charges is “temporarily sealed.” However, McCleland also stated that a public hearing will be held in the future to determine how soon the documents will be unsealed.

Delphi murders: Libby German and Abby Williams

Last week, investigators searched Allen’s home, digging up his firepit and towing a vehicle. They have not revealed what evidence, if any, was discovered.

Following the news conference, community members were filled with a range of emotions as they learned of the arrest. It brought back memories of the two victims for some.

Although it is unclear how long Allen has been on law enforcement’s radar, he has never been publicly identified as a suspect in the Delphi murders investigation.

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