Australian True Crime: Shortcut – The Delphi Murders (ATC International)

Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Meshel Laurie (Bravecasting)
Guest: Susan Hendricks, journalist and author of "Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi"

Episode Overview

This episode of Australian True Crime delves into the chilling double murder of Abby Williams and Libby German in Delphi, Indiana (2017). Host Meshel Laurie interviews Susan Hendricks, American journalist and author deeply involved with the case, to retrace the timeline, explore the investigation's breakthrough, and reflect on the toll for the victims’ families and the community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Day of the Crime and Discovery

• Incident Recap
  • On February 13, 2017, Abby (13) and Libby (14) were dropped off at a hiking trail near the Monon High Bridge.
  • Libby’s Snapchat post and subsequent audio/video recording of their surroundings would become pivotal.
  • When the girls didn’t meet Libby’s father at the trailhead as planned, the family began searching.
  • Their bodies were found the next day, sparking immediate shock in the small, tight-knit town.
    (00:04–03:33)
• Small Town Impact
  • The townspeople formed a search party, demonstrating the close community bonds.
  • The search was intense, with citizens not leaving even after it was called off for safety reasons.
    (03:33–06:04)
• Initial Shock and Disbelief
  • Susan Hendricks describes the families’ minds never initially going to murder, thinking first of accidents or injuries.
    • “But their minds had never gone to murder at that particular point.” – Susan Hendricks (05:37)
  • Becky (Libby’s grandmother) shares the painful realization upon seeing her sister’s face when the truth emerges.
    (03:33–06:04)

The Crime Scene and Its Geography

• Bridge as a Trap

  • The Monon High Bridge, abandoned and full of dangerous gaps, was both a rite-of-passage and a chilling setting.
  • The geography made escape near impossible as the perpetrator approached.
    • “To him, you would have thought...he was taking a stroll. So it was clear to me that person had been there…” – Susan Hendricks (07:46)
  • Criminalist Paul Holes noted the isolation was likely strategic: “why down the hill? ...now I understand once I saw it, how isolating it was...” (08:30) (06:34–09:19)

• Victims’ Awareness & Recording

  • Libby, a fan of crime shows, sensed danger and began recording the suspect as he closed in.
    • “She watched those crime shows...I think she wanted to come home. The reason she hit record...isn't he creepy on the bridge?” – Susan Hendricks (09:41)

Investigation Timeline & Frustrations

• Libby’s Phone Evidence

  • A still image and short clip of the man approaching was released by police, first as a photo, then as a still, then with audio: “Down the hill.”
  • The critical evidence kept the case alive in public consciousness but yielded no immediate identification.

• Initial Interview with Richard Allen

  • Richard Allen placed himself at the crime scene in 2017, spoke with a conservation officer:
    • “I was there, this is what I was wearing. I was looking at my phone, at the stock ticker, and I was watching fish…put himself there…” – Susan Hendricks (11:27)
  • Authorities failed to treat him as a possible suspect, viewing him as a witness due to his local standing. (11:23–12:55)

• Evidence and Charges

  • Years later, in October 2022, Allen was arrested.
  • The prosecution centered their case on an unspent .40 caliber round found between the victims, matching Allen’s firearm and his own incriminating statements.
    • “And then of course, the unspent bullet...was matched...what you can see and can't see and what an unspent bullet even is.” – Susan Hendricks (11:11)

Community & Family Reaction

• Living Among Them
  • Richard Allen was a longtime local pharmacist; his ordinary presence contributed to the communal disbelief.
    • “You don't think of a monster or someone capable of a double murder as looking…I picture them looking evil...they rarely do.” – Susan Hendricks (15:07)
  • He even assisted Libby’s aunt at CVS while she prepared photos for the funeral.
    • “She was crying. And he said it's on me. ... And to think that he would be able to say that.” – Susan Hendricks (16:49)

The Aftermath: Conviction and Sentencing

• Emotional Impact and Grief

  • News coverage summarizes the trial, the maximum sentence (130 years), and the pain the families endure:
    • "You rank right up there with the most hideous cases I've ever presided over...” (Judge, as paraphrased by news reporter) (17:50)
    • “‘She would be 22 and she should be here.’ Libby's mom said... ‘So many what ifs...’ Abby's grandfather comparing the pain to losing a limb that will never grow back..." (News report) (18:03)

• Lingering Trauma

  • Despite a conviction, Susan Hendricks echoes a sentiment from Libby’s uncle:
    • “...ain’t justice. Nothing is gonna bring the girls to—” (Libby's uncle, via news reporter) (18:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Initial Crime Scene:
  “Their minds had never gone to murder at that particular point. ... But as the hours went on...worry set in.” – Susan Hendricks (05:37)

• On Libby's Instincts and Recording:
  “I believe fully that they both sensed, of course, something was off. But to hit record, you don't think this person can murder the both of us.” – Susan Hendricks (09:41)

• On the Bridge and the Crime:
  “It was clear to me that person had been there... at the end of that bridge...maybe Richard Allen waited for that. And that was the trap.” – Susan Hendricks (07:46–08:30)

• On Richard Allen’s Normalcy:
  “You don't think of a monster or someone capable of a double murder as...looking evil. They rarely do. What's so fascinating...is how could they live a normal life?” – Susan Hendricks (15:07)

• On Allen at the Funeral Photo Counter:
  “She was crying. And he said it's on me...And to think that, that, that he would be able to say that.” – Susan Hendricks (16:49)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04–03:33 – Crime description and community response
• 03:33–06:04 – Search efforts and family hope/disbelief
• 06:34–09:19 – The bridge, geography, and situational trap
• 09:39–10:58 – Libby’s instincts, the infamous recording, and escape impossibility
• 11:11–12:55 – Technological evidence and initial interview with Richard Allen
• 13:21–14:20 – Community fear of repeat offenses
• 14:20–16:01 – Who Richard Allen was to the community
• 16:45–17:13 – Allen’s interaction with Libby’s family after the crime
• 17:18–18:14 – Sentencing, families’ courtroom reactions, and enduring grief

Tone & Style

The tone remains empathetic, reflective, and true to the conversational and investigative nature of Meshel Laurie’s Australian True Crime podcast. Both host and guest approach the subject with gravity and respect for the victims and the shock such cases sow in small, safe-feeling communities.

For further information and support, see the show notes associated with this episode.