What Were the Delphi Murders? How a Local Man Got Away with Killing 2 Young Girls Until a Long-Lost Tip Revealed the Truth

Two young girls, Libby German and Abby Williams, went out for a walk along the Delphi Historic Trails in Indiana on February 13, 2017, and sadly never returned. This tragic event captured national attention, leaving the small town of Delphi, Indiana, shocked and grief-stricken. Their bodies were found the next day near the Monon High Bridge with their throats cut, sparking a massive investigation that remained unsolved for five years until 2022.

After years of uncertainty and mystery surrounding the case, a man named Richard Allen was arrested in connection with the murders of Libby German and Abby Williams in October 2022. With no criminal record and working as a clerk at a local CVS, Allen was later convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to 130 years in prison in November 2024. The tragedy shook the community to its core, and the families of the victims have expressed that while the conviction brought some peace, it did not erase their profound loss.

German, aged 14, and Williams, aged 13, were best friends who shared a deep bond. They were described as vibrant and active teenagers who attended Delphi Middle School together and had a passion for sports, photography, and spending time outdoors. German’s older sister, Kelsi, dropped them off at the trails that fateful day, not knowing it would be the last time she would see her sister alive. German’s Snapchat post of Williams walking on the bridge was the last communication before they went missing.

The discovery of German and Williams’ lifeless bodies sparked a heartbreaking revelation that deeply impacted their families and the community at large. Their senseless deaths left a void that could never be filled, as loved ones grappled with the cruel reality of their loss. The girls’ whereabouts became a cause for concern when they failed to appear at the designated pickup spot, prompting a search that ended tragically with the discovery of their bodies near the abandoned railroad bridge.

For German and Williams, their young lives were cut short in a heinous act of violence that shook Delphi to its core. The tragic events of that day left a scar on the tight-knit community, instilling a sense of fear and loss that lingered for years. However, the resolution of the case brought a semblance of justice and closure to the families of the victims, as they strive to honour the memories of Libby German and Abby Williams in the wake of such a senseless tragedy.

Despite the passage of time and the long road to justice, the wounds left by the Delphi murders are still raw for those who knew and loved Libby German and Abby Williams. The impact of their deaths reverberates through the community, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring quest for justice in the face of unspeakable tragedy. As the families continue to grieve and heal, the memory of these two young girls lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by their story.