Justice for Abby and Libby - The Delphi Murders Part I
In this gripping episode of Books With Your Besties, hosts Emily and Ashley delve deep into the harrowing case of Abby Williams and Libby German, two 14-year-old girls tragically murdered in Delphi, Indiana, in February 2017. Combining meticulous research with heartfelt commentary, Emily and Ashley guide listeners through the intricate details of the case, shedding light on the events, the investigation, and the lingering questions that still haunt the community.
Background of the Case
On Monday, February 13, 2017, Delphi Community Middle School announced a half-day schedule, allowing students to leave school earlier than usual. Abby Williams and Libby German, both 8th graders and close friends, seized this opportunity to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather by embarking on a hike. At 1:30 PM, with Libby's older sister Kelsey dropping them off, the girls set off on the Monon Highbridge Trail.
Ashley Flowers reflects on the choice of location:
“I understand why they wanted to be out there. The bridge itself I would not venture onto.”
[02:06]
The Monon Highbridge is notably challenging—a 63-foot-high, 854-foot-long old railroad bridge constructed with wooden planks. Its intimidating structure made it a daring choice, especially for two young teenagers.
Timeline of Events
The Hike and Last Sightings
At 2:07 PM, Libby posted a Snapchat photo of Abby walking on the bridge—the last confirmed image of the girls alive. Brit Prawat emphasizes the significance of this timestamp:
“This just feels like, oh, she's just sharing that they're walking across the bridge. This timestamp eventually helped investigators narrow down the timeline of when things began to go wrong.”
[02:24]
The Disappearance
By 3:00 PM, Libby's father arrives to pick them up but receives no response. Attempts to reach Libby go unanswered, prompting the family to realize something is amiss. At 3:15 PM, the family initiates a search along the trails, hoping the girls are merely lost.
As the afternoon progresses, the situation becomes dire. Around 5:30 to 6:00 PM, Abby and Libby are officially reported missing. The Carroll County Sheriff's Office launches a comprehensive search involving local police, fire departments, and numerous volunteers. Initially, authorities presume the girls might have gotten lost or possibly injured, especially considering the treacherous terrain around the high bridge.
Ashley Flowers shares a personal connection to the case:
“I actually learned about this case in 2017, and it really haunted me. It was one of those cases that I couldn't stop thinking about.”
[05:17]
Discovery and Investigation
Finding the Girls
On Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at approximately 12:15 PM, volunteers discover the bodies of Abby and Libby about half a mile from the bridge, near Deer Creek's banks. The grim discovery is unmistakable, leading authorities to declare the deaths a homicide investigation. Notably, law enforcement withheld details about the cause of death until a suspect was apprehended, heightening public anxiety and speculation.
Critical Evidence: The Cell Phone Video
During the investigation, a pivotal piece of evidence surfaces—Libby's cell phone. A hidden video and audio clip captured shortly after 2:07 PM reveals an unsettling encounter:
“They encountered an unknown man on the bridge, and Libby secretly recorded a short video and audio clip on her phone. The video showed a man approaching the girls and in very chilling words, he says, 'guys, down the hill.'”
[06:55]
This clip becomes instrumental in profiling the suspect, though initial releases were fragmented:
“They first released just an image of the man from the clip… later they released the guy's gait to help people recognize him.”
[07:43]
Despite efforts, technological limitations rendered the footage insufficient for clear identification. The man’s face remained obscured, and only his gait provided clues, leading to widespread public dissemination in hopes of generating tips.
Public Response and Challenges
The release of the video spurred a flood of anonymous tips:
“The tip line was getting about a dozen anonymous tips an hour for days at a time, especially once his voice was released.”
[08:00]
However, these leads soon dwindled, leaving investigators with limited actionable information. In July 2017, five months after the murders, the first sketch of the suspect was unveiled based on witness descriptions. This sketch aimed to identify the so-called "Bridge Guy," but as time passed without breakthroughs, a second, markedly different sketch emerged two years later, reflecting the challenges of a cold case reopening old wounds.
Personal Reflections and Impact
Throughout the episode, both Emily and Ashley intertwine their personal experiences and emotions surrounding the case. Ashley recounts her deep-seated obsession and relentless pursuit of information:
“I went on to, like, Facebook groups where Abby and Libby's family were and people trying to solve the crime and went down the rabbit holes of trying to look at everything I could find out about this case.”
[05:17]
Brit echoes the sentiment, marveling at the volunteers' restraint and respect:
“Huge kudos to any of the volunteers who did see the bodies for not disrupting the scene. It was just so smart of them to not disturb the area at all.”
[06:13]
Their reflections highlight the profound emotional toll and the community's unwavering hope for justice.
Current Status and Ongoing Efforts
As of the episode's release in May 2025, the Delphi Murders remain unsolved, with lingering questions about the perpetrator's identity and motives. The shifts in suspect sketches and the scarcity of new evidence underscore the case's complexity.
Ashley emphasizes the investigative hurdles:
“How have we not caught anyone? But also, huge kudos to any of the volunteers who did see the bodies for not disrupting the scene.”
[06:13]
The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to support their Patreon for more in-depth coverage:
“To hear the rest of this episode, head to our Patreon... you will get 25 more minutes of the Delphi case. Part one and the day part two is released, you will get the entire episode.”
[09:20]
Conclusion
Books With Your Besties masterfully navigates the tragic and baffling case of Abby and Libby, blending investigative storytelling with personal insights. By providing a detailed chronology, analyzing critical evidence, and sharing heartfelt reflections, Emily and Ashley offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of one of Indiana's most haunting unsolved mysteries. For those seeking further exploration, the hosts encourage support through their Patreon, promising continued dedication to uncovering truth and seeking justice for Abby and Libby.