Delphi murders: Richard Allen sentenced for killing 2 teen girls on hiking trail
An Indiana judge handed down a maximum sentence of 130 years behind bars to Richard Allen, who was convicted of the brutal murders of two teen girls on a hiking trail in Delphi in February 2017. The case, known as the Delphi murders, captured national attention and sparked fear in the small community.
The sentencing includes 65 years for the felony murder of Abigal “Abby” Williams and 65 years for the felony murder of Liberty “Libby” German to be served consecutively. Allen’s defense team has indicated that they plan to appeal the decision, maintaining Allen’s innocence and hoping for a second trial to present a full defense.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence linking Allen to the crime scene, including an unspent bullet matching a firearm found in Allen’s home in 2022, as well as numerous confessions made by Allen while in prison. The defense focused on Allen’s deteriorating mental state after his arrest in 2022, highlighting his long-standing employment at a local CVS in Delphi.
One key piece of evidence presented during the trial was a video recorded by Libby on her phone before the girls were killed. The video showed the girls walking with an unknown man, referred to as “Bridge Guy,” whom prosecutors believe to be Allen. Witnesses testified to seeing Allen on the trail around the time of the girls’ disappearance, and a blue utility jacket similar to the one worn by “Bridge Guy” was recovered from Allen’s home.
The heartbreaking details of the case, including the girls being found with their throats cut and covered in blood, shook the Delphi community to its core. The discovery of the girls’ bodies in a wooded area near the Monon High Bridge sparked a massive investigation that lasted over five years before Allen’s arrest.
Ultimately, the judge’s decision to hand down a maximum sentence reflects the severity of the crimes committed against Abby and Libby. As the community continues to heal from the tragedy, the hope is that justice has been served for the families of the two young victims.
