Summary of “Who Is The Delphi Killer?” – 20/20 Podcast Episode

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled “Who Is The Delphi Killer?” from ABC News’s renowned true crime series 20/20, host Deborah Roberts delves into one of the most haunting unsolved mysteries of recent times—the brutal murder of two young girls in Delphi, Indiana. Released on November 26, 2024, this episode meticulously traces the seven-year-long investigation, the community’s anguish, and the eventual arrest and trial of Richard Allen, a local resident charged with the heinous crimes.

Background of the Delphi Murders

On a seemingly ordinary day, February 13, 2017, the picturesque town of Delphi, Indiana—a place residents considered the epitome of safety—was shattered by the disappearance of two teenage girls. Abigail J. Williams, 13, and Liberty Rose Lynn, 14, were last seen embarking on a hike along the Monon High Bridge Trail, a popular local spot.

Deborah Roberts sets the scene: “Everything was normal up till February 13. Delphi was the safest place any of us felt like we could be.” ([00:56])

The horror unfolded when their bodies were discovered a day later, displaying signs of extreme violence, including throat slashes and being found in a pool of blood. The community was left in despair, grappling with the unimaginable loss of their young lives.

Investigation and Initial Leads

The investigation into Abigail and Liberty’s murders quickly became a focal point for both local law enforcement and the media. Despite receiving over 70,000 tips, the case remained unsolved for five agonizing years. The lack of leads led to widespread speculation and the emergence of internet sleuths desperate for answers.

Colin Brown notes, “Two girls disappear on a hike in the tiny town of Delphi, Indiana... A horrific double murder in broad daylight that would shatter this community.” ([03:25])

One of the turning points was the release of video footage from Liberty’s phone, capturing a man referred to as the “bridge guy.” This footage provided a haunting glimpse of a potential suspect, described as someone familiar to the community but ultimately not leading to an immediate arrest.

Suspicions and Other Persons of Interest

Throughout the investigation, several individuals came under suspicion. Ron Logan, the landowner where the girls' bodies were found, became a person of interest after multiple tips suggested his involvement. However, he was never formally charged and passed away in 2022 without being implicated in the murders.

Another name that surfaced was Anthony Schatz, linked to a fake social media account that had been interacting with the girls. It was later revealed that the account picture belonged to an unrelated male model, Keghan Klein, who was later convicted of unrelated child exploitation crimes.

Breakthrough and Arrest of Richard Allen

In a pivotal turn of events, a misfiled tip led investigators to Richard Allen, a 52-year-old local CVS store employee with deep ties to the community. Initially, Allen had contacted the police to report his presence at the trail, but due to a clerical error, his tip was overlooked. Five years later, this mistake became the breakthrough needed to solve the case.

Deborah Roberts shares, “The lead coming in the form of a wrongly documented file found by a volunteer clerk at the sheriff's department leading back to that name from five years earlier, Richard Allen.” ([22:52])

When questioned, Allen vehemently denied involvement. However, evidence collected from his home—including a Sig Sauer handgun matching a bullet found at the crime scene—and testimonies from multiple confessions he made while in custody, painted a damning picture.

The Trial

Richard Allen’s trial became a spectacle, drawing intense media attention and public interest. The courtroom was a battleground where the prosecution and defense presented their cases with fervor.

• Prosecution’s Case

  The prosecution’s strategy hinged on the over 60 confessions Allen purportedly made to various individuals, including family members and prison inmates. Deborah Roberts emphasizes the magnitude of these admissions: “60 times is a lot... Typically confess one time, right?” ([29:06]-[29:30])

  Additionally, forensic evidence, such as the bullet matching the gun found at Allen’s residence, was presented to link him directly to the murders. Audio recordings of Allen speaking to his wife from jail, where he vaguely confessed to the crimes, further bolstered the prosecution’s stance.

Susan Hendricks stated, “He has deep ties there and he was working at the local CVS store. So he did interact with a lot of people in town on a regular basis.” ([25:09])

• Defense’s Arguments

  Allen’s defense team introduced a controversial theory, attributing the murders to a white supremacist cult of Odinism. They argued that the crime scene's peculiarities—such as branches arranged around the bodies—were symbolic gestures linked to the cult’s rituals. Deborah Roberts found this claim perplexing: “I think this was probably one of the craziest offenses that I've ever heard of in my experience... I was sort of baffled by that.” ([33:00]-[33:48])

  Furthermore, the defense highlighted Allen’s deteriorating mental health due to prolonged solitary confinement, suggesting his multiple confessions were the product of psychological distress rather than guilt.

Conclusion and Current Status

After months of intense courtroom drama, November 2024 marked a significant milestone in the Delphi case. Richard Allen was found guilty on all charges for the kidnapping and murder of Abigail Williams and Liberty German. As Susan Hendricks disclosed, “In November of 2024, Richard Allen was found guilty on all charges for the kidnapping and murder of Abby Williams and Libby German.” ([37:52])

Allen is now slated for sentencing next month, where he faces up to 130 years in prison. The verdict brought a semblance of closure to the devastated families and the tight-knit Delphi community, though lingering doubts among some residents persist.

Notable Quotes

• Deborah Roberts: “It was a beautiful day that the girls said, you know what, let's hang out together. BFFs. They went out for a walk.” ([07:14])

• Richard Allen: “I did it, Kathy. I did it. Do you still love me?” ([29:33])

• Susan Hendricks: “I believe Richard Allen, who says he's guilty... everything was normal up till February 13, 2017.” ([36:53])

Conclusion

The “Who Is The Delphi Killer?” episode of 20/20 offers an exhaustive exploration of a case that captivated a nation. Through diligent reporting and compelling storytelling, Deborah Roberts and her team shed light on the harrowing journey from the initial tragedy to the eventual pursuit and conviction of Richard Allen. This episode stands as a testament to the relentless quest for justice in the face of profound loss.