DELPHI, Ind. — Indiana State Police announced 50-year-old Richard M. Allen is under arrest in the murders of Abby Williams and Libby German. The prosecutor said Allen is charged on two felony counts of murder.
"I am proud to report to you, that today, actually last Friday, was the day, and an arrest has been made," Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said. "I really believe that Abby and Libby will be proud of you," Carter added while mentioning the investigators.
Carter said court documents on the arrest of Allen are temporarily sealed.
"This is really important: While I know you are all expecting final details today concerning this arrest, today is not that day. Today is not that day. This investigation is far from complete," Carter said.
Carter said the prosecutor was clear in what could be shared or discussed, and it was limited. He also asked for people to continue sharing tips on the case or about Allen.
"God has provided us with justice for Abby and Libby," said Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby.
The sheriff went on to thank all those who have provided tips and support over the years.
Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland thanked law enforcement and reiterated details on the arrest and case would be limited for the time being.
"Today is about Abby and Libby," McLeland said. He then reiterated that court documents would be sealed for 30 days.
Allen was arrested on Oct. 26 and formally charged on the 28th. He was taken to the White County jail where the prosecutor said he is being held without bond. Court records from Oct. 28 show the judge set bond at $20 million, but it is unclear if and when that was amended.
Allen was formally charged with two
Allen's pretrial conference is scheduled for Jan. 13 and his trial is initially set for March 20. He has pleaded not guilty.
"This is a step in the right direction," McLeland said.
To see the full news conference, click here.
Kelsi German, Libby's older sister, mentioned the news conference in a tweet Friday saying, "Today is the day," a phrase the family has often used to show their continued hope in getting justice.
Abby and Libby disappeared during a hike on Feb. 13, 2017, near the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi. Their bodies were discovered in the woods near that trail a day later.
It's been more than five years since their murders, and no one had been brought to justice.
ISP Superintendent Doug Carter spoke with 13News about the investigation in February 2022. He told 13News he still had great confidence that the case would be wrapping up soon.
"Eventually, I'll be able to tell the world what we know, and the rest of the group will be able to tell the world what we know. Unfortunately, I can't right now," Carter said.
The girls' families, in the meantime, are still figuring out how to move forward.
Kelsi said earlier this year that she was remaining patient, believing at some point the man who killed the girls will be found and charged.
"When I'm feeling frustrated, when I feel like no answers are coming and I'm feeling dejected, I say that. I say, 'Today is the day. It's coming and it'll get here. We're going to have answers' and just reaffirm myself and say, 'It's hard, it's frustrating, it's been five years, but we're going to have answers eventually. It's coming.'"
Since the girls' murders, investigators have released pieces of information at different times, including audio and video Libby captured on her cellphone the day she and Abby were killed.
Investigators also released two sketches, with the second coming out two years after the first. The second sketch appeared to show a man younger than the man in the first sketch.
Delphi killings background
Abigail Williams and Liberty German went missing while walking on a trail near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi on Feb. 13, 2017. Their bodies were found nearby a day later.
On Feb. 15, 2017, police released cell phone images from German's phone showing a suspect in the case coming across the bridge towards the girls.
A week later, police released audio from German's phone, in which you hear a man say, "Down the hill."
On July 17, 2017, police released a first sketch of a suspect.
On April 22, 2019, Indiana State Police released an updated sketch.
Investigators also released additional audio of the suspected killer from German's phone. Listen to the extended audio clip of the suspect here:
All tips welcomed
Those with information about the case can email abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com with as much information as possible, including:
- Suspect's name
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Physical description, including height, weight, hair color, eye color
- Address or location, including city
- Vehicle information including year, make, model, color
- Specific reason for the tip; Why could they be the suspect?
- Motivation for the crime
- Connection to Delphi, Indiana
Police say individuals don't need to have all of those pieces to send a tip, but do ask to include as many details as possible.