Abigail Williams and Libery German Murdered on Train Tracks in Delphi Indiana

The murders of Liberty “Libby” German and Abigail “Abby” Williams on February 13, 2017, in Delphi, Indiana, is one of the most haunting and widely followed criminal cases in recent American history. These two young girls set out on a seemingly innocent hike but never returned home, leaving behind a mystery that captivated the nation and led to a massive investigation spanning years. Their case remains a profound reminder of the dangers that lurk even in the safest of communities and the tireless pursuit of justice.

The Last Day of Libby and Abby

On February 13, 2017, 14-year-old Libby German and 13-year-old Abby Williams had a day off from school due to an unused snow day. Like many young teenagers, they wanted to enjoy their free time together and decided to go for a hike at the Monon High Bridge Trail, a popular but somewhat isolated area in Delphi, Indiana.

Libby’s older sister dropped them off at the trailhead at approximately 1:35 PM. The girls walked along the abandoned railroad bridge, a well-known local landmark. At 2:07 PM, Libby posted a photo of Abby walking along the bridge on Snapchat—this was the last known image of the two alive.

When the girls failed to return to their designated pickup spot at 3:15 PM, their families quickly became concerned. By 5:30 PM, after frantic attempts to locate them, they were reported missing, and a search effort was launched.

The Discovery of Their Bodies

Despite initial hopes that the girls had simply gotten lost, the worst fears of their families and the small Delphi community were realized the following day. On February 14, 2017, at around 12:15 PM, their bodies were discovered approximately half a mile from the Monon High Bridge, near Deer Creek.

Authorities did not immediately release details about the crime scene or the cause of death, which fueled widespread speculation. To this day, certain elements of the investigation remain undisclosed, as law enforcement has carefully guarded crucial evidence in the pursuit of the killer.

The Start of the Investigation

The investigation into the murders of Libby and Abby was immediate and expansive. The Indiana State Police (ISP), the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies joined forces to analyze evidence and search for a suspect.

Early on, law enforcement revealed a crucial piece of evidence that would set this case apart from many other murder investigations: Libby German had recorded a video on her smartphone of a suspicious man following them. The short clip—later released to the public—showed a middle-aged man walking towards the girls on the bridge, dressed in a blue jacket, jeans, and a hoodie. The video also included an audio recording of the suspect saying, “Guys… down the hill.”

This quick thinking by Libby provided law enforcement and the public with an invaluable clue, an eerie yet critical lead in identifying the person responsible for their deaths.

The Infamous “Bridge Guy” Video and Police Sketches

The video and audio clip of the suspect, dubbed the “Bridge Guy,” became the centerpiece of the investigation. Over the years, two police sketches were released:

1. First Sketch (2017) – A composite of an older man with a goatee, wearing a cap.
2. Second Sketch (2019) – A significantly younger-looking man with curly hair, said to be more accurate.

These conflicting sketches caused confusion among the public, with many questioning if the police were chasing multiple leads or had received misleading tips.

The suspect’s gait, clothing, and voice were intensely analyzed by investigators and amateur sleuths alike. However, despite an overwhelming number of tips—totaling over 50,000 by 2022—no definitive suspect was immediately apprehended.

The Break in the Case: The Arrest of Richard Allen

After nearly five years of speculation, theories, and frustration, authorities finally made an arrest. On October 28, 2022, Richard Matthew Allen, a 50-year-old Delphi resident, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of murder.

Allen had lived in Delphi at the time of the murders, just a few miles from the crime scene. He was a pharmacy technician at CVS and was even known to have printed pictures for the victims’ families after the murders, adding an unsettling layer to the case.

During the investigation, a breakthrough came from a crucial forensic link—a .40-caliber unspent bullet was found near the girls’ bodies, and it was matched to a gun owned by Allen. This forensic evidence, combined with his past admissions of being on the trail that day, led to his arrest.

Richard Allen’s Trial and Conviction

Richard Allen’s trial began in October 2024, where prosecutors presented damning evidence, including:

• Confessions: Allen allegedly confessed to killing the girls more than 60 times while in prison.
• Bullet Forensics: The unspent round at the crime scene matched his firearm.
• The Video Evidence: Investigators argued that Allen physically resembled the “Bridge Guy” from Libby’s video.

On November 11, 2024, after weeks of testimony, the jury found Richard Allen guilty of the murders of Libby and Abby.

On December 20, 2024, Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison—65 years for each murder, to be served consecutively.

The Release of the Full “Bridge Guy” Video

In March 2025, a 43-second uncut version of the “Bridge Guy” video was released by Richard Allen’s supporters, sparking new debates over his conviction.

The new footage showed the suspect walking behind the girls, calling out to them, and mentioning the word “gun.” While some believe this adds weight to Allen’s guilt, others argue that the defense was not given a fair trial and that there might be more unknown details about the case.

Despite the controversy, law enforcement has stood by the conviction and maintains that Allen was responsible for the murders.

The Legacy of Libby and Abby

The tragic case of Libby German and Abby Williams has left a lasting impact on their families, the Delphi community, and the nation. Their murders led to:

• Increased public awareness about safety in isolated areas.
• The development of new investigative techniques involving digital evidence.
• The strengthening of laws to support victims and families.

Their families continue to honor their memory, advocating for justice reform, public safety, and support for grieving families.

Conclusion

The Delphi murders remain one of the most harrowing crimes in recent memory. While Richard Allen’s conviction has provided some closure, questions still linger, and the case remains under public scrutiny. Whether there is more to the story or not, one fact remains: Libby German and Abby Williams were two bright young girls whose lives were tragically cut short, and their memories will never be forgotten.