Delphi Man Arrested, Charged In 2017 Slayings Of Teen Girls: Police

DELPHI, IND. — More than 2,000 days after two Indiana teenagers were found dead off a hiking trail, Indiana law enforcement investigators announced the arrest of a Delphi man in connection with the deaths of the two girls.

Indiana State Police Commander Doug Carter announced that Richard M. Allen, 50, of Delphi, was arrested Friday and charged in connection with the deaths of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty “Libby” German.

Carter became emotional at times in announcing the arrest of Allen, who was taken into custody on Friday, Carter said. Carter was limited in the details that he offered about the investigation, which continues more than five years after the two girls' bodies were found in February.

“Today is not a day to celebrate,” Carter said during a news conference on Monday, adding that he hoped Monday’s announcement brings some closure to the girls’ families.

Allen has been ordered held without bond and prosecutors said that the file, including the probable cause statement, remains sealed by the court. Prosecutors said that Carter has pleaded not guilty and will appear in court again on January 13 before a trial is scheduled to begin in March.

Prosecutors said that Friday "was a very personal day" for authorities, but said officials will not release details on the evidence against Allen or on the charging documents and the probable cause affidavit, as that information has been sealed.

"Today is not that day," Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said on Monday. "Today is about Abby and Libby."

McLeland said Friday was "one of those days" that stand out, comparing it to a wedding day or the birth of a child as Allen's arrest was made. The prosecutor would not discuss aspects of the investigation, including when Allen became a suspect in the case. McLeland said his goal is to maintain the integrity of the case.

Carter said Monday marked a "major day" in coming to a conclusion in the mystery that has led to more than a 5 1/2-year "long-term and complex" investigation by the state police and other law enforcement agencies. Carter said the case not only drew the attention of the Delphi community but extended throughout Indiana and the rest of the United States and even the world, Carter said at the news conference.

"I am proud to announce to you that today — actually last Friday — was the day," Carter said. calling the day a "very emotional and personal experience."

"And an arrest has been made."

McLeland said a public hearing will be held at a later date to determine whether documents in the case will remain sealed. Carter spoke about the public's frustration with authorities' silence regarding details of the case.

"If you choose to be critical of our silence, be critical of me, not the front line," Carter said.

Monday's press conference was held in the same church where police held their first news briefing in the hours after the killing of the two girls. Carter said that he was unsure of what emotions he would feel in announcing Allen's arrest, but said that peace came over him.

"I didn't expect that to happen," he said. "I hope that all of you...have felt some of that as well. But remember, we're not done."

He added: "Abby and Libby, though in death, have had a profound effect on so many of us – on how we live, and as importantly, who we all should be."

Carroll County Sheriff Tob Leazenby said Monday he believes "in a God of justice and righteousness" and said that the same God has provided justice for the two girls. He said that the case is now moving forward to allow the justice system to provide the due diligence and justice is due to Abby and Libby and their families.

The girls' bodies were found on Feb. 14, 2017, after they disappeared a day earlier after going hiking on the Delphi Historic Trails. The girls were last seen near the Monon High Bridge, and their bodies were found about a half-mile from the bridge, police said.

Investigators believe they had collected an important clue when the suspect’s voice was captured on Liberty’s phone, on which a man’s voice said “down the hill,” media reports indicated at the time.

Both Carter and McLeland encouraged the public to continue sending in tips in the case. Any leads in the case can be sent to abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com or called in to the tip line at (765) 822-3535.

When asked if he presumed there were any other people involved, McCleland said he would not assume anything and there was a reason why investigators are keeping the tip line open. But the prosecutor called Monday "a step in the right direction."

"Any other person or persons involved in these murders in any way will be held accountable," Carter said.

Carter thanked thousands of law enforcement officers and investigators who have worked on the case since the killings in 2017. While at times, investigators were criticized for going silent or not providing updates on where the case stood, Carter and others said that police remained committed to their mission of finding the killer.

Carter said while the public was hoping to get final details surrounding the investigation, he said Monday "is not the day" as police continue their case that led to Allen's arrest. He said the investigation "is far from complete" and he added that police will not jeopardize the integrity of the investigation by releasing or discussing documents involved in the case "before the appropriate time."

Carter said that investigators would continue to take a "very methodical and committed" approach to the investigation to ensure that they have everyone in custody that could be involved in the killings of the two girls.

"I really believe that Abby and Libby would be proud of (investigators) for standing strong even in the face of immense pressure and sometimes perpetual criticism."