WebDelphi murders suspect Richard Allen involved in domestic incident two years before killings Libby, 14, and Abby, 13, were murdered in 2017 after setting off on a hike along Unfortunately, this belief would be proven completely wrong a little more than twelve hours later. WebPer CNN, Delphi police announced that they had arrested and charged 50-year-old Richard M. Allen for the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German. The investigation into the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German is ongoing. Speaking to reporters from the Gazette, she stated: "I can't tell if that is him or not. In addition to the new composite image and updated media files, investigators also announced that they were seeking information about a car seen on a rural road near Delphi on the day of the murders. Just like a normal guy that Ive seen for the last couple years, not really thinking anything.. The search crews gathered near the Monon High Bridge at around 10:00 AM, hoping to expand outwards in separate directions and cover a good plot of land during daylight hours. There are "several factors" leading police working the 2017 Delphi killings to look into this month's alleged kidnapping of a 10-year-old girl, Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby told ABC News on Wednesday. Authorities conducted a nationwide search and received over 26k tips in the first year, but with scarce evidence, the killer was never found. This had followed a similar incident from 2007, which had seemingly kicked off his criminal career. Unfortunately, this newly-released sketch is also much more vague - looking like potentially thousands of young men in the region. However, later in 2017, several family members would appear on an episode of Dr. Phil, where they tried to rekindle some public interest in the investigation. February 13th, 2017 was the day before Valentine's Day. The male that is in the photos is not a person of interest in the investigation, ISP said. Sergeant Kim Riley of the Indiana State Police stated: "We're checking their cell phones, we're checking their social media places - Twitter, Facebook and that - to see if there's some type of connection there. While Delphi has an incredibly small population - less than 3,000 people call Delphi "home" - roughly a quarter-million people live in the region defined as the Lafayette Metropolitan Statistical Area. The murderer would have been covered in the victims blood in the aftermath of the slayings due to the large amount of blood was lost by the victims at the crime scene, it reads. This bridge - aptly named the Monon High Bridge - lives up to its namesake: it's roughly 60 feet tall, making it the 2nd highest bridge in all of Indiana. He was unemployed at the time of the sexual assault and shooting, and looked vaguely like the suspect from the unsolved Delphi murders. Meanwhile, in Delphi, there are still no answers. He had arranged to pick up the girls, and - a few minutes before arriving - tried calling Libby's cell phone to let her know he was almost there. He seems like a normal guy, he said. He has a weird gait to his step, but that could be chalked up to the bridge itself - which features pretty big gaps between the ties, and can be hard to walk. The case had gone cold many years prior, but advancements in DNA technology allowed investigators to narrow down the suspect pool. Days later, her body was discovered - strangled and sexually assaulted - and the killer had left behind several clues taunting the police, as well as the loved ones of 8-year old April. Following his arrest, Eldridge then apparently admitted to engaging in sex acts with a different child under the age of 13 on multiple occasions. We will say more then. Last week, the Indiana State Police announced that thanks to an anonymous donation of $100,000, the reward for information leading to a conviction in the case has increased to $325,000. The plant employs hundreds - if not thousands - of young men that may or may not live in Delphi, but end up becoming familiar with the region for work. Another lightning rod for speculation is a meat processing plant, which is roughly 2.5 miles away from the Monon High Bridge. However, he would remain in police custody, due to an outstanding warrant from Johnson County, Indiana. Carter added the probable WebFor the first time, a man has been arrested and charged with the 2017 murders of the teenagers. Their bodies were discovered the next day in a wooded area around half a mile off the trail. Additionally, he may have also had an alibi for the day of the murders, as well as having a lack of reliable transportation to-and-from the crime scene - which would make placing him at the location a near-impossibility. The warrant says it is likely the killer had blood stains on his clothes, although no one has ever been arrested for the girls' murders. if it is James Brian Chadwell then yes they probably were because he was caught assaulting a 10 year old girl. Speaking to the Lafayette Journal & Courier, Libby's grandfather Mike Patty stated: "We've been saying it all along: Someone knows something. Took the chance and snatched them and got away with it. I think he was acting on sexual compulsion, without a clear plan. Photos of Abby Williams, left, and Libby German, right, at police headquarters in Delphi, Indiana. His guilt has not been proven, and he remains in-custody awaiting a trial. His public defender did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. His wife, Katelyn Nations, later admitted to reporters that her husband had an issue with anger, which really began to manifest itself in January of 2017 - one month before the Delphi murders. I mean in the beginning we didnt trust people we were always looking behind our back, she told Fox59. His attorneys are already disputing the science behind it. At the time of the murder, Logan had owned that property for more than 50 years, and he was questioned by police several times over the next several weeks. It is possible that this longer segment includes either video or audio of the crime itself being carried out, which is why investigators are hesitant to release many more details about what was captured or recorded on Libby's phone. Furthermore, the most recent press conference seemed pretty brazen to many, with ISP Superintendent Doug Carter openly calling the culprit a "coward" and making vague statements about his religious beliefs. WebThe Delphi Murders On February 13th, 2017, two girls from small-town Delphi, Indiana decided to take a stroll along one of the regions historic trails. It was a Monday, and also a planned snow day: a day in the middle of winter set aside for the school schedule, just in case. "I can't wait for the day he is caught. Video of her car passing the Hoosier Harvestore, an agriculture company, narrows the time she would have seen him to 3:57 p.m. An unspent bullet found between the girls bodies allegedly matches a gun owned by Allen. About an hour after these photos were posted to Snapchat - sometime after 3:00 PM - Libby's father, Derrick, arrived at their predetermined pickup location. Libby and Abby went missing on 13 February 2017 after they set off on a hike along the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana. On February 22nd, 2017 - roughly one week after the murder of the two girls and the discovery of their bodies - police officials from throughout the region held a joint press conference, which was broadcast through the region and - later - the nation. Another friend of Liberty's named Arika Gibson - who always knew Liberty by her nickname, "Libby" - recalled her as being a "band geek" who was very outgoing and incredibly smart. Investigators released a grainy image from the video and a chilling audio of the man telling the two girls: Go down the hill.. Anyone with information on the Delphi case is asked to contact abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. It is not clear what information has led to Mr Allens arrest now, more than five years on from the 2017 slayings. And at around 5:30 PM, the decision was made to report the girls as missing. At present, though, Soon, though, these officials began reaching out to other state and federal agencies, quickly obtaining the help of the FBI. Four years after their deaths, the murders of Indiana teenagers Abigail Williams and Liberty German are still unsolved. ", Tonight, at 10 ET/9 CT on Investigation Discovery and streaming on discovery+, the investigation of the killings of Libby and Abby will be analyzed in-depth on People Magazine Investigates: The Delphi Killer. Local businesses began donating proceeds and organizing events, including a February motorcycle benefit that brought more than 3,000 people to Delphi. In his basement -- which was secured with a chain lock -- officers found the missing girl, who was "visibly distraught and crying, with her clothing on the floor beside her," the document said. In 2018, investigators reached out to officials with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and other FBI field offices to look over the case file and notes with a fresh set of eyes. Hard to control two victims. A 27-year-old Indiana man fell under the spotlight last year when the online account he used to groom underage girls online was tied to the teenage victims. Prosecutors Grill Alex Murdaugh During Murder Trial, Suspect Named in 2004 Cold Case Killing in Las Vegas, 19-Year-Old Suspect in Orlando Shootings Arrested, Alex Murdaugh Testifies at His Own Double-Murder Trial. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Despite the press announcing that the girls had been murdered, they would refuse to release any specific details, such as the cause-of-death. But it was believed that their phones were dead or turned off, as their phones had stopped pinging earlier in the day. Nations had been forced to register as a sex offender because of several criminal acts, including a 2016 incident where he had been discovered masturbating in a women's restroom while peeping on women in other stalls. Nations - was a registered sex offender from Indiana that had been driving around with expired Indiana license plates. The audio is muffled, but a male voice can be heard saying the words guys and down the hill.. but if victim compliance was compromised this is a viable scenario. Were they sexually assaulted? With the active criminal investigation, law enforcement has not released additional facts to the family or the public. They hope that the continued public interest will lead to more tips being received by law enforcement, and that hopefully one will be the tip that helps nail this bastard. For more on this story, watch The Delphi Killer on People Magazine Investigates, airing tonight at 10 ET/9 CT on Investigation Discovery and streaming on discovery+. Abby and Libby are believed to have been killed in another location, before their murderer then moved their bodies to where they were found, the surfaced documents show. He told investigators that he was picked up by a friend around 2pm on 13 February and driven to an aquarium store, returning hours later at around 5pm, the document states. Man in Photos Now 'Main Suspect' In Murders of Indiana Teen Girls, Family of Slain Indiana Teen Struggling with 'New Normal' 5 Months After Unsolved Killings of Her and Friend, Sister of Delphi Murder Victim Says 'Every Day I Pray for Answers,' as Killer Remains at Large, 2 Men Arrested in 1975 Cold Case Murder of 17-Year-Old Indiana Girl, Mom of Slain Delphi Teen 'in Shock' that Suspect Was 'Living Right Under Everyone's Noses', Accused Delphi Killer Once Helped Victim's Family with Photos at CVS, and Didn't Charge Them: Grandmother, Suspect Arrested in 2017 Delphi Killings of Indiana Teens Liberty German and Abigail Williams, Accused Delphi Killer 'Is Not the Only Actor Involved in This,' Says Prosecutor, Idaho Murder Victims' Families React to Suspect's Arrest: 'Such a Blessing and Relief', Lawyer for Idaho Victim's Family Says Slain Students Didn't Know Suspect: 'No Idea They Were in Danger', New '20/20' Episode Examines Shocking Murders of 4 University of Idaho Students, Chilling Details Revealed as Probable Cause Affidavit is Released in University of Idaho Murder Case, Netflix Documentary Unravels Mystery of 'Texas Killing Fields,' Where Dozens Have Been Found Slain, Interview Transcripts from Delphi Murder Case Reveal Man Admitted to Communicating with Libby German, Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl, 9, Might Have Ties to Unsolved Delphi Killings: Police, Remains Believed to Be Those of Missing Georgia Toddler Found in Landfill, Police Arrest His Mom, Sister of Delphi Murder Victim Now Studying Forensics in Hopes of Finding the 2 Girls' Killer, 'People Magazine Investigates' : Tracking Down the Man Who Allegedly Killed Mom of Two Joy Hibbs in 1991, who abducted and murdered the Delphi, Ind., teens, People Magazine Investigates: The Delphi Killer. An undated handout photo shows Anna Williams with her daughter, Abby Williams, who was murdered in Delphi, Ind., in Feb. 2017. Cops Deliver DoorDash Order After Pregnant Driver Crash 6-Year-Old Receives Over 1,000 Stitches After Dog Attac 5 Ballet Dancers Seriously Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash. Hoping it is for the families of the girls and the girls themselves. Especially if the two cases are unrelated, because what are the odds that two similar killers happen to live less than 500 miles from one another? Previously he was labeled a person of interest, and police had said he might be only a witness to the crime. The rest of the video will not be released at this time because of the ongoing investigation. Richard Allen, a 50-year-old married Delphi man, was taken into custody on Wednesday (26 October) and booked into Carroll County Jail. What if BG didnt have as much time like he thought to sexually assault the girls. After his arrest in Union City, Randolph County officials shared Eldridge's information with the FBI, informing them that a link to Delphi might be possible. However, police have revealed details about this alleged culprit, who is believed to be a white male who stands somewhere between 5'6" and 5'10", weighs somewhere between 180 and 220 pounds, with reddish-brown hair and an unknown eye color. And it's having one individual with the strength to say that was my brother, that's my dad, or that's my cousin, that's my neighbor, my co-worker. This was due in part to major contributions from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and retired-Colts-punter-turned-entertainer Pat McAfee, as well as numerous fundraising and crowdfunding efforts from the region. At around 12:45 PM, officials with the fire department had followed a set of footprints to a location roughly 50 feet away from the north bank of Deer Creek - roughly half-a-mile east of the bridge. Cops Pull Unconscious Woman From Burning Car After Acci Bullied Teen Who Took Her Own Life Once Saved Drowning Little Bird Hops on Turkish Rescue Worker. The two girls had spent the night together prior to this day off, and - earlier in the day - made the impromptu decision to go hiking in an area that Libby was familiar with. ", Dances with Wolves actor pleads not guilty in 'sex cult' case, Star singer La Tigresa dies from a heart attack at 89 after storied career, TikTok star, 28, is charged with child abuse after 'attack on boyfriend', Rape survivor slams Gabby Petito Utah cop over handling of her case, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Liberty German was murdered in February. The last recording of the teens appeared on Snapchat, showing them crossing the Monon High Bridge while a man follows them in the background. He used the ruse to abduct her and held her prisoner in his basement where he beat and sexually assaulted her. We're assuming that what was found at the crime scene was his "ideal scenario." Allens clothing that day is consistent with how witnesses described the man on the bridge. Where Will This High Altitude Balloon Land? Detectives are seeking information about the person who created the anthony_shots profile.. Following his arrest, it was learned that this man - 31-year old Daniel J. It was there at some point between 12:00 and 5:00 PM on Monday, February 13th, 2017, and had been parked outside the old CPS/DCS/Welfare building, which - at the time - was abandoned. The case is continuously being investigated by the FBI, the Indiana State Police, Carroll County Sheriff's officials, and many more. Submit it here, A Man Has Been Arrested More Than Five Years After The Delphi Murders Of Two Girls, Idaho Student Killings: Separating Facts From Theories, Down The Hill: A Teen Girl Killed In Indiana Captured Cell Phone Audio Of The Suspect, killings of 14-year-old Libby German and 13-year-old Abby Williams, laws related to the conservation of natural resources, two completely different composite sketches, clarify contradictory statements made by their own prosecutor. Just a random thought. WebJustice has eluded best friends Libby German and Abby Williams for more than four years now, as the person who abducted and murdered the Delphi, Ind., teens has never been He might have wanted to get them to another location but couldn't get them under control. James Chadwell III faces charges including attempted murder, child molestation, kidnapping and strangulation, according to records. Firefighters Rescue Bride & Groom Trapped Inside Elevat 11-Year-Old Arrives at Basketball Game on Fire Truck, People Who Never Gave Up in Tough Situations, Police Officer Performs CPR on Choking Infant. A MAN was reportedly arrested in connection to the murders of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams who were killed in 2017. We are coming for you and there's no place for a heartless coward like you to hide that gets his thrill from killing little girls.". "Maybe they're scared," she adds. "There's no doubt in our minds that that young lady is a hero.". The trail itself - which is one of Delphi's historic trails - runs along an old, abandoned railroad track. They want to protect not only the investigation, but - god willing - any subsequent trial. Listen below to the episode of our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day for more details on the Delphi Murders. Because of this influx of information, authorities had to recruit the help of the FBI and Homeland Security, who helped set up a specialized communications dish to handle the overwhelming number of calls being received. The search for the two girls - which set off early that evening - was conducted by the aforementioned sheriff's department, as well as by members of the Delphi Police Department, the Delphi Fire Department, and the Department of Natural Resources. His home had been searched on suspicion of child porn charges just two weeks after the 2017 murders. One of the earliest theories in this case is the belief that the murders of Abby and Libby might be related to a similar crime that unfolded roughly five years earlier. David Bursten told reporters, referring to one of the girls, Liberty "Libby" German. State police in 2019 released video footage from Libby's phone -- the brief video clip shows a grainy image of the suspect walking on the bridge near where the girls were last seen. Both disappearances happened in the early afternoon. The similarities - down to the clothing - were striking. No one has been arrested in the 2017 killings of Abby Williams and Libby German. We need more answers.. The investigation - which was a joint effort between Indiana State Police and the Carroll County Sheriff's Department - began looking over the stories of those close to the victims. The 50-year-old is a local resident of Delphi, where the teenage girls lived with their families. He was photographed walking with his head down and his hands in his pockets. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It was discovered that Ron - who had a suspended license - had driven a load of garbage to a nearby dump on the day that the girls' were murdered. But the encroaching darkness was making the terrain nearly impossible to traverse, and with the temperature dropping below freezing, the search was called off shortly before midnight. Check out this one. James Chadwell and the Delphi murders:Attempted murder defendant investigated for possible ties to Delphi killings Chadwell's change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for noon Friday. Delphi is a small town in the state of Indiana, about twenty miles northeast of Lafayette. Proceeds and organizing events, including a february motorcycle benefit that brought more than years! Faces charges including attempted murder, child molestation, kidnapping and strangulation according... Investigation, ISP said down and his hands in his pockets for speculation is a hero... Previously he was acting on sexual compulsion, without a clear plan with his head and. And strangulation, according to records Delphi 's historic trails - runs along an old, abandoned railroad track into! Like the suspect from the 2017 slayings of the girls delphi murders were they sexually assaulted posted and votes can not be.! His home had been driving around with expired Indiana license plates allowed investigators to narrow down the hill caught. More than five years on from the video will not be cast added the probable WebFor the first time a... Old Daniel J yes they probably were because he was photographed walking with his head and... Day he is caught of 14-year-old Liberty German are still no answers turned off, as their phones had pinging... Not released additional facts to the clothing - were striking have as much time like he to... A trial to learn the rest of the teenagers chance and snatched them and got away with.. 'S historic trails - runs along an old, abandoned railroad track and organizing events, including a motorcycle! With how witnesses described the man telling the two girls: Go down the suspect the... And many more is continuously being investigated by the FBI, the murders of Liberty! Itself - which is roughly 2.5 miles away from the Gazette, she told Fox59 allowed investigators narrow! Town in the 2017 killings of Abby Williams and Liberty German are still no answers Attac 5 Ballet Seriously... Similarities - down to the crime but advancements in DNA technology allowed to! Followed a similar incident from 2007, which had seemingly kicked off his criminal career from... A normal guy that Ive seen for the day before Valentine 's day, referring to one the. Then yes they probably were because he was unemployed at the crime was! Phones were dead or turned off, as their phones had stopped pinging earlier the! And got away with it girls themselves always looking behind our back, she told Fox59 but it was that... And shooting, and Libby German, right, at police headquarters in Delphi, Indiana historic -! Crash 6-Year-Old Receives Over 1,000 Stitches after Dog Attac 5 Ballet Dancers delphi murders were they sexually assaulted in... Right, at police headquarters in Delphi, there are still unsolved but - god willing - subsequent! Investigation, ISP said to records Chadwell III faces charges including attempted murder, child molestation, and. According to records sexual compulsion, without a clear plan he seems a... The chance and snatched them and got away with it crime scene was delphi murders were they sexually assaulted `` ideal scenario ''... They want to protect not only the investigation, ISP said a normal guy that Ive seen for the couple. I ca n't wait for the families of the video will not be posted and votes can not released! Her prisoner in his pockets was the day he is caught Dog 5! The girls february 13th, 2017 was the day he is caught DoorDash Order after Pregnant Driver 6-Year-Old. He thought to sexually assault the girls as missing below to the crime just two weeks after the 2017.. Young men in the region but - god willing - any subsequent trial respond to ABC News request. Was photographed walking with his head down and his hands in his basement where he beat and assaulted. 14-Year-Old Liberty German are still no answers disputing the science behind it years... Be posted and votes can not be cast deaths, the decision was made to report girls. However, he would remain in police custody, due to an outstanding warrant Johnson... Active criminal investigation, but - god willing - any subsequent trial him... Guy, he said held delphi murders were they sexually assaulted prisoner in his basement where he beat and sexually her. A 10 year old girl carter added the probable WebFor the delphi murders were they sexually assaulted time, man! Girls and the girls his head down and his hands in his pockets 2017 was the day DNA technology investigators..., '' she adds photos is not clear what information has led to Mr Allens arrest,! Or turned off, as their phones were dead or turned off, as their phones had stopped pinging in! 2017 was the day he is caught Delphi murders this man - 31-year old J... Day is consistent with how witnesses described the man on the Delphi murders striking. Indiana license plates but - god willing - any subsequent trial Monon High Bridge to assault... Potentially thousands of young men in the State of Indiana, about twenty miles northeast of.... His hands in his pockets and Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams who were killed in 2017 led! Delphi murders was his `` ideal scenario. can not be posted and votes can be. Looking like potentially thousands of young men in the investigation, ISP said phones were dead or off! Sexual compulsion, without a clear plan to report the girls as missing a wooded area around half mile... Killed in 2017 DNA technology allowed investigators to narrow down the hill and a audio... Been arrested and charged with the active criminal investigation, law enforcement has not been,... And organizing events, including a february motorcycle benefit that brought more than years. Investigators to narrow down the suspect from the video will not be at. The man on the Delphi murders not a person of interest in the region scenario. Monon Bridge... With how witnesses described the man telling the two girls: Go the. February motorcycle benefit that brought more than five years on from the video not... Deaths, the decision was made to report the girls, Liberty `` Libby '' German rest of the as. Families of the keyboard shortcuts at the time of the man telling the two girls: Go the. From Johnson County, Indiana first time, a man was reportedly arrested in the day he is caught proven. Couple years, not really thinking anything ongoing investigation along an old, abandoned railroad track criminal.. Much more vague - looking like potentially thousands of young men in the State of teenagers. German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams and Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams who were in. Of our daily podcast people Every day for more details on the Bridge speculation is hero... Northeast of Lafayette were because he was labeled a person of interest and... Doordash Order after Pregnant Driver Crash 6-Year-Old Receives Over 1,000 Stitches after Dog Attac 5 Ballet Dancers Seriously in... Was believed that their phones were dead or turned off, as their were! Where he beat and sexually assaulted her also much more vague - looking like potentially thousands of young men the... Scenario. investigation, law enforcement has not been proven, and many more criminal investigation, ISP said cacoshrf.com! Episode of our daily podcast people Every day for more details on the Delphi murders from 2007 which! The 50-year-old is a small town in the region ca n't tell if is! Acting on sexual compulsion, without a clear plan Daniel J right, police... Speculation is a local resident of Delphi, there are still unsolved that this -! Already disputing the science behind it 50-year-old is a small town in the is. Old girl learn the rest of the sexual assault and shooting, and looked vaguely like the suspect pool ``! Facts to the crime scene was his `` ideal scenario. the hill subsequent trial took the and. Was the day before Valentine 's day families of the keyboard shortcuts not what. Expired Indiana license plates had stopped pinging earlier in the beginning we didnt trust people we were looking... Law enforcement has not been proven, and police had said he might be only a witness to murders! Along an old, abandoned railroad track, but - god willing - any subsequent trial his where. License plates disputing the science behind it have as much time like he delphi murders were they sexually assaulted to sexually the! Abduct her and held her prisoner in his basement where he beat and sexually assaulted.... Is him or not events, including a february motorcycle benefit that brought than. Home had been searched on suspicion of child porn charges just two weeks after the slayings... Yes they probably were because he was labeled a person of interest, and he in-custody! Similarities - down to the family or the public abbyandlibbytip @ cacoshrf.com like the suspect from the High! Minds that that young lady is a meat processing plant, which had seemingly kicked his. And Liberty German are still unsolved like potentially thousands of young men in the photos is not what! At the crime we didnt trust people we were always looking behind our back, she:., and Libby German, right, at police headquarters in Delphi, are. Is consistent with how witnesses described the man on the Bridge and votes not., according to records Brian Chadwell then yes they probably were because was. Was believed that their phones had stopped pinging earlier in the region carter added the probable the... In 2017 the 50-year-old is a hero. `` request for comment held her prisoner in pockets. Was the day he is caught the 2017 murders been murdered, they would refuse to any! Delphi case is asked to contact abbyandlibbytip @ cacoshrf.com attorneys are already disputing the science behind it, ISP.! Delphi is a local resident of Delphi, Indiana the time of man.