Richard Allen Found Guilty in Delphi Murders Trial
DELPHI, Ind. — In a significant turn of events, Richard Allen has been found guilty on all four counts related to the tragic murders of two young girls, 14-year-old Libby German and 13-year-old Abby Williams. The jury reached this decision Monday afternoon after an exhaustive 19 to 20 hours of deliberation spread over several days.
The verdict was read quickly after the jury entered the courtroom, taking less than two minutes before announcing their decision. Allen was found guilty of felony murder for both girls and of knowingly and intentionally taking their lives. As the verdict was delivered, Special Judge Frances Gull remarked, “Regardless of what the verdict is, people aren’t going to be happy.”
Supporters of the victims expressed their relief and joy outside the courtroom. Members of the community gathered, and cheers erupted as news spread about the verdict. Becky Patty, the grandmother of Libby German, was visibly emotional and embraced her family members, shedding tears of relief and sorrow. Libby’s sister, Kelsi, also shared her feelings on social media, noting, “Nearly 8 years, today was the day.”
Next Steps in the Case
Richard Allen is set to be sentenced on December 20, 2024. For now, a gag order remains in effect, preventing further public discussion of the case details until after sentencing. Kathy Allen, Richard’s wife, expressed to reporters, “This isn’t over at all” as she left the courthouse.
The Timeline of Events
The tragic story began on February 13, 2017, when Libby and Abby went missing. Their bodies were discovered near the Monon High Bridge the following day after a substantial search effort. Investigators later found Libby’s phone under Abby’s body, which contained a vital video of a man who was termed the “bridge guy.” From this video, police were able to extract a voice saying “guys, down the hill,” raising suspicions surrounding his identity.
Over the years, police released composite sketches based on witness accounts of the “bridge guy.” After years of investigation, Richard Allen was finally charged with murder in October 2022 — five years following the heartbreaking incident.
The Legal Process
Before the trial, Allen was held in state prisons for almost two years. The legal proceedings encountered numerous disputes regarding evidence and Allen’s behavior, including a challenge to remove his legal team that escalated to the Indiana Supreme Court. The trial officially began on October 18, 2023.
Throughout the trial, evidence presented showed that Allen had self-reported to the police after the girls went missing, but his report initially went overlooked in the overwhelming number of leads authorities received. Eventually, a secretary discovered his report years later, reigniting the investigation.
Witness testimony during the trial claimed that several individuals saw a person matching the description of the “bridge guy” on the day of the girls’ disappearance. However, the defense argued that the witnesses’ descriptions did not align with Allen’s appearance. Additionally, surveillance footage showed the presence of Allen’s vehicle near the area.
Confessions and Mental Health Evaluations
During his time awaiting trial, reports emerged that Allen had confessed to the murders on several occasions. Guards and a former warden testified to these confessions. However, there was debate regarding the credibility of these statements, as Allen exhibited behavior that pointed to potential mental health issues.
Defense witnesses claimed that Allen was suffering from a serious mental health condition, implying that previous confessions might be the result of his deteriorating mental state while in solitary confinement. The jury was presented with video footage showcasing Allen’s unusual behavior in his cell, prompting some jurors to visibly react to the disturbing content.
A Community’s Response
As the trial concluded and the verdict was reached, it marked a poignant moment for the Delphi community, who had lived through the extended pain of losing two young lives. While the verdict brings some degree of closure, there are still many unanswered questions and a long road ahead as they await sentencing and any further legal developments.
This chapter in the Delphi murders saga may have come to a close, but the tragedy remains deeply felt, and the community continues to seek peace in the wake of such a profound loss.
