Richard Allen, convicted of the infamous Delphi Murders, receives a 130-year sentence for the brutal killings of two teenage girls in Indiana.
At a Glance
- Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years for murdering Liberty German and Abigail Williams
- Victims’ families express relief at justice served, but acknowledge ongoing grief
- Evidence included video footage and a cartridge found at the crime scene
- Case attracted significant attention from true-crime followers worldwide
- Allen’s defense plans to appeal, maintaining his innocence
Justice Served in Delphi Murders Case
Richard Allen, the man convicted of the 2017 Delphi Murders, has been sentenced to 130 years in prison for the killings of Liberty “Libby” German and Abigail “Abby” Williams. The sentence, handed down after a jury found Allen guilty in November, marks the conclusion of a case that has captivated and perplexed communities worldwide. Allen received the maximum sentence of 65 years for each murder, to be served consecutively, with 760 days already served counting towards his time.
The verdict came after 19 hours of jury deliberation spread over three days. Judge Frances C. Gull, presiding over the case, did not mince words in her assessment of the crimes. “I’ve spent 27 years as a judge, and you rank right up there with the most heinous crimes in the state of Indiana,” Judge Gull stated during the sentencing.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 130 Years in 'Delphi Murders' https://t.co/e1R4tL3fmK
— People (@people) December 20, 2024
A Community’s Long Wait for Answers
The murders of Libby German and Abby Williams shocked the small town of Delphi, Indiana, in February 2017. The teenage girls were last seen on a hiking trail, and their bodies were discovered a day later with cuts to their throats. The case went cold for years, despite police releasing sketches and audio evidence from Libby’s phone. It wasn’t until October 2022 that Richard Allen, a Delphi resident, was arrested and charged with the murders.
The breakthrough in the case came when investigators linked Allen to the crime scene through a cartridge found between the girls’ bodies. Evidence presented during the trial included a video from one of the girls’ phones showing a man following them and an unspent round from a .40-caliber gun found near the bodies. Allen’s arrest after years of living in the community, described as “hiding in plain sight,” only intensified public interest in the case.
Conflicting Narratives and Ongoing Legal Battle
Throughout the trial, conflicting narratives emerged regarding Allen’s involvement in the murders. Prosecutors claimed Allen planned to rape the girls and admitted to killing them, while his defense team argued that any confessions were made during a psychotic state and were involuntary. A psychologist testified that Allen had admitted to the murders and described his actions, but the defense suggested the killings were part of a pagan ritual, a theory not presented to the jury.
“A form of justice was serviced, but it does not bring Abby or Libby back. They did not deserve this,” Sheriff Tony Liggett said.
Despite the conviction and sentencing, Allen’s legal team plans to appeal, maintaining his innocence and seeking a second trial. The possibility of an appeal hinges on whether it can be demonstrated that the jury did not hear a fair amount of evidence. This ongoing legal battle ensures that the Delphi Murders case will continue to be a topic of discussion and analysis in the true-crime community.
A Community Begins to Heal
The sentencing of Richard Allen brings a measure of closure to the families of Libby German and Abby Williams, as well as to the community of Delphi. However, the pain of loss remains palpable. Carrie Timmons, mother of one of the victims, reflected on the tragedy, saying, “I was blind that such evil existed.” The sentiment was echoed by Diane Erskin, who stated, “This is a day of great sadness for our family. We won’t be going home to celebrate with champagne.”
