The Tragic Murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams
In 2017, the brutal murders of two teenage girls, Liberty German and Abigail Williams, in Delphi, Indiana, shocked the world. The pair, aged 14 and 13 respectively, went missing during a walk along the Monon High Bridge Trail, a popular spot near their hometown. Their bodies were found just two kilometers off the trail less than 24 hours later. The case remained unsolved for five years before Richard Allen was arrested in October 2022 and eventually sentenced to 130 years in prison.
- 0.1 The Tragic Murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams
- 0.2 A Disturbing Video Clip and the “Bridge Guy”
- 0.3 The Role of Journalists and Legal Challenges
- 0.4 Linking Richard Allen to the Crime
- 0.5 The Trial and Guilty Verdict
- 0.6 The Sentencing and Family Reactions
- 0.7 A New Documentary Sheds Light on the Case
A Disturbing Video Clip and the “Bridge Guy”
On February 13, 2017, Libby and Abby set out for a walk on the Monon High Bridge Trail. They documented their day with smartphones, unaware of the tragedy that awaited them. Shortly after crossing the bridge, they encountered a man in a blue jacket who directed them to “go down the hill.” Moments later, Libby posted a photo of Abby on Snapchat showing her on the bridge. This video clip became a key piece of evidence in the case and led to the man being nicknamed the “bridge guy.”
Despite the viral nature of the clip, no arrests were made for several years. Over time, police pursued multiple suspects, including a man linked to the US Capitol Riots, but none were connected to the crime until Allen’s arrest in 2022.
The Role of Journalists and Legal Challenges
Journalists Áine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee, who had been following the case closely through their podcast The Murder Sheet, noticed that much of the information surrounding the case was not publicly available. They discovered that court filings had been mistakenly sealed, possibly due to confusion over a gag order. Working with an attorney, they filed a motion in June 2023 to unseal the documents, which were finally released in June 2023.
The unsealed documents revealed critical details about the murders. It was confirmed that the girls were killed with a sharp object, likely a knife, and that there was a significant amount of blood at the scene. The killer had also moved and staged their bodies. Additionally, a recorded phone call between Allen and his wife was uncovered, in which he admitted to committing the murders.
Linking Richard Allen to the Crime
Prosecutors initially linked Allen to the case through a bullet found at the crime scene. The bullet came from a Sig Sauer Model P226, which was later found in Allen’s home. A witness described a vehicle matching one Allen owned in 2017, further connecting him to the crime. Allen also spoke to investigators twice over the years, admitting to being on the bridge the day of the murders.
The Trial and Guilty Verdict
In January 2024, the trial began, and after less than 20 hours of deliberation, the jury found Allen guilty of two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping. Prosecutors presented multiple confessions from Allen, including one where he told his wife, “I did it. I killed Abby and Libby.”
Allen’s defense argued that his confessions were unreliable due to his mental state after being held in isolation for 13 months. However, the jury was not convinced, and Allen showed no reaction as the verdict was delivered.
The Sentencing and Family Reactions
In December 2024, Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison, the maximum possible sentence. Judge Fran Gull emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that it ranked among the most heinous in Indiana’s history. The families of the victims were unable to speak publicly during the trial, but they finally shared their thoughts after the sentencing.
Libby’s grandmother expressed deep regret, saying she could never change her decision to let the girls go on the walk. Abby’s grandmother called the sentencing a day of sadness, noting that the families would never be able to celebrate. Carroll County Sheriff Tony Liggett added that there would never be true closure in the case.
A New Documentary Sheds Light on the Case
A new three-part documentary series, Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge, explores the story of Liberty and Abigail. The series includes interviews with friends, family, and even Allen’s wife, Kathy, who defends her husband, calling him a “family man” with good morals. She believes he is not the monster others see him as.
The case remains a haunting reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities. While justice has been served, the pain and loss will linger for generations.