DELPHI, Ind. ― Richard Allen, found guilty of murdering Abigail “Abby” Williams and Liberty “Libby” German, was sentenced on Friday to the maximum penalty of 130 years in prison.

In November, Allen was found guilty on two counts of murder and two counts of murder committed during the kidnapping of the girls. Special Judge Frances Gull handed down the maximum sentence of 65 years for each murder charge.

“As a criminal court judge in Indiana for 25 years, I have seen some of the most horrific cases,” Judge Gull said to Allen before delivering her sentence in a full courtroom, “and you are among the worst.”

Judge Gull also criticized Allen for showing no remorse. Allen, who continues to assert his innocence, did not react during the sentencing.

“You sit there rolling your eyes at me, just as you did throughout the trial,” Gull remarked to Allen.

After the brief hearing, Mike Patty, Libby’s grandfather, was heard saying, “It’s finally over.”

However, Allen and his legal team indicated their intent to continue the fight.

Defense attorney Jennifer Auger stated to reporters that they are eager to pursue an appeal and request a new trial.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims. What they endured is unimaginable,” Auger expressed, noting that they would provide a more comprehensive statement later, “but today is not the right moment.”

Abby and Libby were taken and killed on February 13, 2017, after hiking on the Monon High Bridge trail. Their bodies were discovered the following day. Jurors convicted Allen on November 11 after a lengthy investigation of over seven years, nearly three weeks of testimony, and about 18 hours of deliberation spread across four days.

Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland stated that the crimes had a profound impact on the Delphi community, causing widespread fear and anxiety. Many residents sought self-defense training and gun permits, according to McLeland.

Indiana State Police Lt. Jerry Holeman, a leading investigator on the case, described the brutal nature of the killings.

“He killed one girl while the other was present,” Holeman remarked. “I can only imagine the terror they experienced.”

Tragedy of the girls will impact their family for generations

During the hearing, several family members of the girls shared their grief, calling the experience a nightmare that will haunt them indefinitely.

Becky Patty, Libby’s grandmother, remarked that the tragic loss of the girls will have a “generational impact” on their family, as future generations will encounter their photos online.

Carrie Timmons, Libby’s mother, expressed sorrow over how she and her daughter would have celebrated their birthdays together the following week, stating that her now 14-year-old daughter will miss out on falling in love and starting a family.

Diane Erskin, Abby’s grandmother, spoke about how Allen took away her daughter’s “one and only child,” a teenager known for her helpful nature.

Abby, described as a reserved girl by Erskin, would have been devastated had she known her photos were displayed during the trial. The last memory Erskin has of them is seeing Abby and Libby laughing together.

Josh Lank, Libby’s cousin, expressed his outrage, stating that Allen “took so much” from the girls and expressed his hope that Allen suffers while imprisoned.

“They had bright futures ahead of them,” Lank said. “Now it’s time for your life to become a living nightmare.”

Allen and his attorneys optimistic about potential new trial

Typically, defense attorneys present arguments during sentencing, but Allen’s legal team remained mostly quiet; attorney Brad Rozzi requested that the judge not view their case management as a negative factor.

Allen chose not to speak when given the opportunity.

In a memorandum filed on Wednesday, his attorneys indicated that their primary focus will be on appealing the verdict, anticipating a fair and impartial tribunal.

They advised Allen against participating in the pre-sentencing process, which includes an interview with a probation officer for a sentencing report, arguing that such engagement could harm his defense.

Usually, detailed memorandums are submitted to justify sentencing. However, Allen’s attorneys only presented a few points, including his lack of prior offenses, military service, and mental health considerations that This should lead to a milder penalty.