Close to eight years after the heartbreaking killings of Liberty “Libby” German and Abigail “Abby” Williams sent shockwaves through Delphi, Indiana, a suspect is about to go to trial.

The suspect, Richard Allen, 52, from Delphi, was arrested in connection with the case in 2022. However, his trial has faced numerous delays and rescheduling. This Monday marked the beginning of jury selection, with the trial expected to last until November 15.

The case, widely known as the Delphi Murders, has left a trail of grief in their small community of 3,000 residents since the tragic incidents came to light. The ongoing public fascination is fueled by evidence found on one of the girls’ phones shortly before the tragedy and the various surprising developments in the investigation, including rumors involving cults.

Here’s a brief overview of the Delphi Murders as the trial approaches.

What are the Delphi Murders?

The last confirmed sighting of Libby German and Abby Williams was around 1 p.m. on February 13, 2017. The girls had been dropped off by Libby’s older sister, Kelsi German, for a hike near the Monon High Bridge over Deer Creek in Delphi, Indiana.

The girls were scheduled to meet family members later that day, but they never arrived. Following a brief search, their families reported them missing around 5:30 p.m.

Authorities conducted a search that lasted until approximately midnight, at which point they paused until morning. Sadly, the bodies of Libby and Abby were found the next day, February 14, half a mile from where they were last seen, on the north bank of Deer Creek.

The case gained significant media coverage due to photos and videos recovered from Libby’s phone after she vanished. She had shared two images on Snapchat around 2:07 p.m. on February 13, showing Abby walking along the old railroad tracks near Monon High Bridge.

Police later confirmed that Libby’s phone had recorded images and video of the individual considered their primary suspect.

What occurred after the murders?

Investigators placed significant emphasis on the content retrieved from Libby’s phone during their search for the murder suspects.

On February 15, they made public a blurry photo of a man walking on the empty Monon Bridge tracks, which was obtained from Libby’s phone shortly before her death. The image appeared to depict a white male with unkempt brownish hair wearing a dark blue jacket and blue jeans, with his hands in his pockets, looking down.

On February 22, authorities released an audio clip from Libby’s phone featuring a muffled male voice instructing, “Down the hill.” Additional images and a brief video of the man walking were also shared with the public.

This individual was subsequently identified as a primary suspect in the murders, although police suggested the possibility of more than one person being involved. Authorities established a tip line and offered a reward to encourage information about the case.

On July 17, police unveiled a composite sketch depicting a white male in a hooded coat and a paperboy cap, with facial stubble and unkempt hair. However, in April 2019, the state police revealed a “new direction” in their investigation by releasing a new sketch that showed a younger, clean-shaven man with short, curly hair.

In the years following the murders, numerous suspects were questioned, but many details about both the case and the investigation were kept confidential.

Richard M. Allen, then 50 years old, was eventually arrested on October 26, 2022.

Who were the victims, Libby German and Abby Williams?

In 2017, Liberty “Libby” German, aged 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, aged 13, were eighth graders at Delphi Community Middle School.

As reported by Indy Star, part of the YSL News Network, the community honored the girls by naming a softball park after them, reflecting their passion for the sport.

Libby also engaged in volleyball, soccer, and swimming. She was involved in band and the Academic Bowl, and she enjoyed arts and crafts and vacations. Abby was a member of the band and played volleyball; she had a love for reading, photography, and decorating her mother’s home. She cherished the outdoors and her pets, especially her cat, Bongo.

Who is on trial for the Delphi murders?

Richard Allen, currently 52, is a resident of Delphi who used to work as a licensed pharmacy technician at CVS. Having lived in Delphi since at least 2006, he was married and had an adult daughter when he was arrested. His home is only a five-minute drive from the bridge where Libby and Abby lost their lives.

Allen’s arrest followed police finding a .40-caliber shell casing at the crime scene that matched a firearm registered to him, as detailed in the probable cause affidavit from his arrest in 2022.

Initially, Allen was charged with kidnapping and two counts of murder in connection to the girls’ deaths. Although prosecutors sought to add further kidnapping charges this year, they later withdrew them. Currently, he faces two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder.

In court documents released in June 2023, Allen’s legal team suggested that the girls were killed not by him but as a part of a “ritualistic sacrifice” carried out by a white nationalist cult. The judge has prohibited any references to this alleged cult during the trial.

Allen’s trial was first set for January 2024 but has faced multiple delays. It is now rescheduled to take place from October 14 to November 15. Jury selection began on October 14, with jurors transported from Allen County to Carroll County to ensure impartiality.