Delphi man charged with murder 5 years after deaths of teens Abby Williams and Libby German
10/31/2022 11:34 am PDT
DELPHI, Ind. (TCD) -- Indiana State Police announced Monday that they arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the 2017 deaths of 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German.
Richard Allen, a Delphi local, was taken into custody Friday, Oct. 28, and charged with two counts of murder, according to a press release. He was booked into the Carroll County Jail and then transported to White County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
At a press conference Monday, Oct. 31, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter was visibly emotional and said despite the arrest, "Today is not a day to celebrate."
He called the arrest a "major step in leading to the conclusion of this long-term and complex investigation."
Carter also thanked all the law enforcement officials who worked through holidays, delayed retirement, and passed up promotions in order to see the investigation through until the end.
Both Carter and Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said the charging documents and probable cause affidavit against the suspect would be sealed for a short amount of time.
Carter said, "This investigation is far from complete, and we will not jeopardize its integrity by releasing or discussing documents or information before the appropriate time."
Echoing Carter, McLeland spoke about how information in the probable cause affidavit and charging documents will most likely become public, but they did not want to speak about the evidence at the press conference because "Today is about Abby and Libby."
McLeland said it was "unusual" to seal documents in Carroll County and noted there was "extra scrutiny" involved in the case. There will be a public hearing in the future to determine whether those records remain sealed.
McLeland added he thought it was "concerning" that Allen is a "local guy" from Delphi, and detectives "haven't closed the door on the investigation."
Allen has reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Williams and German were last seen Feb. 13, 2017, when they were dropped off near the Monon High Bridge to "walk around and hang out." They reportedly did not show up when it came time to be picked up, and they were found dead the next day in a wooded area near the Delphi Historic Trail.
German reportedly captured a video on her cellphone of the suspect, along with an audio recording where a man’s voice can be heard saying, "Down the hill."
You can read more about the Delphi murders investigation here.
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