DELPHI, IND. — Indiana State Police officially announced an arrest on Oct. 31 in connection to the 2017 murders of 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter announced the arrest of Richard M. Allen of Delphi, on two counts of murder at a press conference.

No other information was released as the documents are sealed, but police say his pretrial is set for Jan. 13, 2023. The actual trial is set for Mar. 20, 2023. 

Allen entered a not guilty plea during an initial hearing Friday. He is being held without bond.

Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) Photo courtesy: Mike and Betty Patty

According to investigators, Abby and Libby set out on a hike at the Delphi historic trails during a day off from school on Feb. 13, 2017, but never returned.

A massive search began after the teens failed to meet Libby’s dad that afternoon for a ride home.

18 hours later, their bodies were found in the woods close to an abandoned railroad bridge they'd been photographing during their hike.

One photo made national headlines. It was a man in a blue jacket and jeans following the girls on the bridge. Police recovered that photo along with other pieces of evidence from Libby’s phone and released portions of it to the public in the search to find the suspect.

Evidence from ISP includes a video clip recovered from Libby’s phone which shows a suspect walking on the bridge near where the bodies of the teenagers were found.

Now, more than 2,000 days later, police say the investigation is taking a big step in the right direction. 

“I’m proud to report to you that today, actually Friday, was the day,” ISP Superintendent Doug Carter said as he spoke about the arrest.

While an arrest has been made, officials say the investigation itself is far from over.

“While I know you are all expecting final details today concerning this arrest — today is not that day.” Carter said, before repeating, “Today is not that day.”

Carter continued, “This investigation is far from complete, and we will not jeopardize its integrity by releasing or discussing documents or information before the appropriate time.”

The first sketch released in 2017 by (left) and the most recent sketch from 2019 (right). Sketches by ISP.

The arrest also highlighted the countless hours of work done by investigators and volunteers.

“I really believe that Abby and Libby would be proud of you for standing strong even in the face of immense pressure and perpetual criticism,” Carter said about the investigation team. 

“Some of these individuals have postponed retirement, passed on promotional opportunity, have dedicated personal time away from their families, given up nights, weekends and holidays all while in the pursuit of accountability for Abby and Libby,” Carter said.

Officials said that they are still open to receiving tips from the public. 

Email: abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com 

Phone: 765-822-3535 

This story will be updated with any new developments.

Contact Alex Almanza with comments at aalmanza@bsu.edu

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