The Delphi Murders: Did They Get the Wrong Guy?

Abby Williams and Libby German, best friends, were last seen on February 13, 2017, walking the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana. Libby's phone captured a video of a man, dubbed 'Bridge Guy,' and his voice saying 'Guys, down the hill.' Their bodies were found the next day on private property near Deer Creek, about 50 feet from the shore.

Libby's Snapchat posts at 2:05 PM and 2:07 PM, and the video taken on her phone showing the 'Bridge Guy' and his voice.

The investigation was prolonged, taking five years for an arrest. Initial sketches of the suspect changed dramatically, causing public confusion. Keegan Klene, an online predator who chatted with Libby, was ruled out. Ron Logan, on whose property the bodies were found, had a suspicious alibi and phone pings near the crime scene, but died before he could be charged.

Two different suspect sketches were released (July 2017, April 2019). Keegan Klene was charged with child material possession but cleared in the murders (22:08). Ron Logan's ex-girlfriend reported abuse, and his phone data showed activity near the crime scene during the murder timeframe (23:47).

Richard Allen was arrested in October 2022. He had given a voluntary statement days after the murders, admitting to being on the bridge. Evidence against him included his clothing matching the 'Bridge Guy' video, his black 2016 Ford Focus being the only one of its kind parked at the trails that day, and an unspent .40 caliber Winchester bullet found between the girls' bodies matching his Sig Sauer handgun.

Richard Allen's voluntary statement (26:42), surveillance photos of his car (30:27), his description of clothing matching the video (31:02), and ballistic analysis confirming the unspent bullet matched his gun (36:01).

While in prison, Richard Allen confessed to the murders over 60 times, in person, in writing, and in recorded calls to his wife and mother. These confessions reportedly included details only the killer would know, such as a white van passing by and bodies covered with branches.

Recorded jail calls with his wife and mother where he states, 'I did it. I killed Abby and Libby' (01:02:48).

Richard Allen's defense team alleged the girls were sacrificed by an Odinism cult, citing stick formations (runes) on the bodies and Libby's blood used to paint an 'F' (Hail Odin) on a nearby tree. They argued Allen's confessions were coerced due to solitary confinement, forced psychiatric medication, and alleged threats from Odinist prison staff, leading to a rapid decline in his mental and physical health.

A 136-page document filed by the defense detailing crime scene staging with sticks resembling runes, and an 'F' painted in Libby's blood on a tree (56:16). Defense claims of Allen's solitary confinement, forced medication, and bizarre behavior (drinking toilet water, eating feces) (01:15:16).

The trial began on October 18, 2024. The prosecution presented their evidence, including Allen's confessions. The defense countered with claims of coercion and mishandled evidence, including other taped-over confessions and uncollected sticks. The judge disallowed any mention of the Odinism cult theory. On November 11, 2024, the jury found Richard Allen guilty, and he was sentenced to 130 years. His defense filed a 113-page appeal in December 2025, arguing an unconstitutional home search, coerced confessions, and an incomplete defense due to the cult theory ban.

Jury verdict on November 11, 2024 (01:28:45). Sentencing on December 20, 2024 (01:28:59). Defense appeal filed December 2025 (01:30:35).