Delphi Murderer Richard Allen Caught 5 Years Later. Learn His Whereabouts Now.

Richard Allen, the man behind the 2017 murders of teenagers Liberty German and Abigail Williams in Delphi, Indiana, has been arrested five years after the killings. New evidence and a crucial tip led to his capture, and he now faces charges for the brutal deaths of the young girls.

Richard Allen, responsible for the murders of teenagers Liberty German and Abigail Williams in Delphi, Indiana, was captured five years after the killings. The victims, aged 14 and 13, were attacked on February 13, 2017, during a hike near the Monon High Bridge. Despite a crucial video recording of the perpetrator, the investigation remained unresolved for nearly five years.

The Delphi Murders

Liberty "Libby" German and Abigail "Abby" Williams were close friends who went on a hike near the Monon High Bridge. They were expected to meet family members later that day but did not return. Authorities reported them missing, and their bodies were discovered the next day near a creek close to the bridge. Both girls had their throats slashed, and an unspent .40 caliber bullet was recovered at the scene.

Prior to the attack, Libby recorded a brief video showing a man following them on the bridge. In the footage, the suspect tells the girls to go down the hill. The Indiana State Police later recognized Libby's recording as vital evidence, praising her for capturing the suspect’s actions shortly before her death.

Investigation and Arrest

For years, the perpetrator was known to authorities as "Bridge Guy." Progress in the case was minimal until 2022, when a previously overlooked tip resurfaced. Kathy Shank, a volunteer receptionist, reviewed the tip indicating Allen had been on the trail at the time of the murders. Investigators linked a firearm found in Allen’s possession to the bullet discovered at the crime scene, establishing a critical connection.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

In October 2022, Allen was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. He initially pleaded not guilty. Additional charges were added for murder during the commission or attempted commission of kidnapping. Evidence included a phone call to his wife, during which Allen allegedly admitted, "I did it. I killed Abby and Libby."

The defense contested the admissibility of this confession, citing Allen's declining mental state during the call. Defense attorneys also argued that the murders were connected to ritualistic practices rather than personal motives, but these claims were rejected by the court.

Conviction and Sentence

In November 2024, Richard Allen, then 50 years old, was found guilty on all four charges related to the Delphi murders. In December 2024, he was sentenced to 130 years in prison, the maximum penalty under Indiana law. This verdict concluded a nearly decade-long pursuit of justice for Liberty German and Abigail Williams.

Current Status

Following sentencing, Allen’s legal team announced plans to appeal, asserting his innocence and requesting a new trial to fully present his defense. As of July 2025, Allen was transferred to The Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, a maximum-security facility in Oklahoma. The defense formally filed their appeal in March 2025, citing four alleged errors during the trial that they claim could overturn the conviction.

Media Coverage and Public Interest

The case continues to receive widespread media attention. The Hulu documentary Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge, released in August 2025, features interviews with the victims’ families, law enforcement officials, and Allen’s defense team. Allen’s wife, Kathy, publicly maintained his innocence for the first time during coverage of the documentary. The murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams remain a significant event in Indiana’s criminal history, demonstrating both the challenges of solving cold cases and the role of digital evidence in modern investigations.

Sources:

• Richard Allen Brutally Killed 2 Young Girls but Wasn't Caught Until 5 Years Later - People
• What Were the Delphi Murders? Here's Who Killed Libby German and Abby Williams - People
• Delphi double murderer Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years in prison - CBS News
• Richard Allen Brutally Killed 2 Young Girls but Wasn't Caught Until 5 Years Later. See Where the Delphi Murderer Is Now

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.