Nearly eight years ago, two girls, Liberty “Libby” German and Abigail “Abby” Williams, vanished while hiking to the Monon High Bridge in Delphi, Indiana.

After their failure to come home, the girls’ bodies were discovered on Valentine’s Day, hidden along Deer Creek.

In the years that followed, various composite sketches circulated, and investigators pursued numerous suspects, including a person linked to a fake social media account. While podcasters theorized about the case, the small community in Indiana sought ways to remember and honor the girls, and their families continued to hope for answers.

On Halloween of 2022, the news broke that an arrest had been made. Richard M. Allen, a local employee at CVS, was charged with the murders of Libby and Abby.

Since then, Allen’s case has involved numerous legal motions, sealed documents, and ongoing lawsuits, culminating in a murder trial that is finally set to begin this Friday.

Here’s a recap of the significant events that have transpired in this case.

Overview of the Delphi Murders

Libby German and Abby Williams were last spotted at around 1 p.m. on February 13, 2017, when they were dropped off for a hike by Libby’s older sister, Kelsi German, near the Monon High Bridge over Deer Creek in Delphi, Indiana.

The girls were expected to meet family later that day but never appeared. After a short search, their families reported them missing by 5:30 p.m.

A search continued into the night until midnight, at which point authorities paused until morning. The bodies of Libby and Abby were discovered the following day, February 14, about half a mile from where they were last seen, along the north bank of Deer Creek.

The case attracted significant media and online attention, particularly due to photos and videos found on Libby’s phone after she went missing. She posted two final images on Snapchat around 2:07 p.m. on February 13, showing Abby walking along the old railroad tracks of the Monon High Bridge.

Police later revealed that Libby had captured images and video of the man who became the main suspect in the case.

About Libby German and Abby Williams

Both girls were eighth-graders at Delphi Community Middle School and shared a passion for softball. In their memory, the community named a new softball park after them. They cherished the colors teal and purple, which have been used for ribbons in their remembrance. A memorial service, along with a lantern release, was held in February 2017 to honor them.

Libby’s obituary highlighted her involvement in volleyball, soccer, and swimming, as well as her participation in the band and Academic Bowl. She also loved arts and crafts and looked forward to vacations.

According to Abby’s obituary, she too engaged in the band and volleyball, often attending various local churches with her family. Abby had a passion for reading, photography, art, and enjoyed decorating her mother’s home. She loved the great outdoors and animals, especially her cat, Bongo.

Who is Facing Trial for the Delphi Murders?

When authorities announced the arrest of Richard M. Allen in relation to the girls’ murders, many in the Delphi community recognized him as a familiar face who worked at a nearby CVS. Residents mentioned seeing him regularly at the McDonald’s next door.

Charges Against Richard Allen

Initially, Richard Allen was charged with two counts of murder while committing a felony (in this case, kidnapping), one count for each victim. In January, prosecutors sought to add two more counts of kidnapping, which were later dropped.

Additionally, the prosecutors later introduced two counts of murder that differ from the initial charges. These new counts focus solely on the fact that he killed the girls. The earlier charges indicated that the murders occurred during a kidnapping, requiring the prosecution only to show that Allen was involved in the kidnapping of Libby and Abby without needing to prove he was the one who actually killed them.

In March, prosecutors decided not to pursue additional kidnapping charges. Richard Allen now faces four charges: two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder.

State vs. Richard M. Allen: When and where is the trial?

The trial for Richard Allen was originally set for January 2024, but it was postponed to October. Later, Special Judge Frances Gull moved the trial date to May, and once again to October 14 through November 15.

The trial will take place in Carroll County; however, the jury will not consist of local residents. Jurors will be picked from Allen County and transported to Carroll County. Jury selection is set to start on Monday, October 14, in Allen County.

What led police to charge Richard Allen?

A probable cause affidavit from Allen’s 2022 arrest connects him to the crime scene. It indicated that a .40-caliber shell casing found at the location matched a firearm belonging to Allen.

During questioning by police, Allen claimed that he was the only person who used the pistol, according to the court documents. He had also informed authorities back in 2017 that he was on the trails the day the girls were murdered.

What is Odinism, and how does it relate to the Delphi murders?

Last year, Allen’s defense team proposed an alternative theory regarding the girls’ murder, suggesting that evidence found at the crime scene reflected practices from Odinism, a pagan Norse faith. Odin was revered as one of the deities worshipped by Norse people before Christianity became dominant.

The defense cited allegations that law enforcement had overlooked the participation of individuals connected to Odinism, who had shared images online resembling the areas where the girls’ bodies were discovered.

In summary, they claimed, “The crime scene is filled with evidence of cult involvement.” The defense memo also accused prison guards overseeing Richard Allen of wearing Indiana Department of Correction uniforms adorned with Odinistic symbols or items stating “In Odin we trust.”