Dark Downeast: Introducing – 13th Juror

Host: Kylie Low (Dark Downeast)
Guest/Featured Host: Brandi Churchwell (13th Juror)
Date: January 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This special episode of Dark Downeast serves as an introduction and preview for the new podcast 13th Juror. Host Kylie Low spotlights the show's unique approach to true crime: delving deep into both sides of high-profile court cases and inviting listeners to act as "the 13th juror," weighing the evidence themselves. The episode features Brandi Churchwell, host of 13th Juror, who introduces the case of the Delphi Murders—a haunting, still-debated double homicide from Delphi, Indiana.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Purpose and Approach of 13th Juror

• Kylie Low outlines 13th Juror's mission:
  • The show "dives into both sides, the prosecutions and the defenses" (00:25).
  • Listeners are encouraged to "be an additional 13th juror for these cases."
  • Brandi Churchwell "breaks down complicated investigations and courtroom drama with clarity, compassion, and an eye for the details that matter most." (00:50)
• The focus is not just on the crime, but also courtroom strategies, unseen evidence, and jury deliberation.

2. Introducing the Delphi Murders Case

• Brandi Churchwell provides a vivid retelling:
  • The mysterious "Bridge Guy" video—a grainy recording that captured four chilling words:
    "Guys, down the hill." (01:54)
  • Details both the haunting nature of the evidence and the impact on the Delphi community.
  • Sets the stage for the investigation, introducing Richard Allen as the main suspect, and outlines the divisions the case caused within the public and legal circles.
  • Emphasizes the complexity and emotion of the court proceedings, stating, "the prosecution says it's justice served. The defense says it's at the expense of an innocent man." (04:18)

3. Victims' Backgrounds and Timeline of Events

• Painting a picture of Libby and Abby:

  • Liberty German (14): Outgoing, adventurous, softball player, budding photographer, confident and witty.
  • Abigail Williams (13): Creative, loved outdoors and volleyball, quietly strong, fiercely loyal.
  • Close-knit best friends, "inseparable in the way only middle school girls can be." (05:12)

• Day of the Crime:

  • Monday, Feb. 13, 2017—school closed, the girls stayed at Libby's house.
  • They enjoyed banana pancakes, planned an outdoor day, and were dropped off at the Monon High Bridge trail by Libby's older sister, Kelsey (06:30).
  • Shared selfies and laughter en route, reached the bridge around 1:45pm.
  • Libby shared Snapchat photos, including one of Abby on the bridge (07:58).
  • At 2:13pm, Libby began to record video—the haunting recording that captured "guys, down the hill" (09:04).

4. The Infamous Evidence & Impact

• Snapchat video as pivotal evidence:

  • Libby's phone captured Abby, a man trailing close behind, and ended with the now-iconic phrase.
  • The fragment became both a clue for investigators and a lasting symbol of the girls' final moments.

• Public and Legal Fallout:

  • For years "Bridge Guy" remained unidentified; in 2022, police named Richard Allen as a suspect (03:49).
  • The community and followers split—many convinced of Allen's guilt, others defending his innocence.
  • The trial is framed as "a battleground of emotion, evidence, and national attention." (04:00)

5. Invitation to the Listener

• Kylie Low closes with a call to action:
  • "I'm definitely reporting for jury duty on this one because justice isn't just delivered by 12 people in a jury box. It's shaped by those who seek to understand what really happened." (10:41)
  • Listeners are encouraged to check out the full episode on the 13th Juror podcast.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It's one of the most haunting recordings in American true crime... An unidentified voice gives a calm but commanding order. Guys, down the hill."
  — Brandi Churchwell (01:54)
• "For more than five years, he was known only as Bridge guy. Then in 2022, police gave him a name, Richard Allen..."
  — Brandi Churchwell (03:49)
• "As the case wound its way through the legal system, the twists and turns only multiplied, each revelation leaving the public more stunned than the last."
  — Brandi Churchwell (04:05)
• "Justice isn't just delivered by 12 people in a jury box. It's shaped by those who seek to understand what really happened."
  — Kylie Low (10:41)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:01 – 01:37: Kylie Low introduces the concept and approach of 13th Juror, highlighting what sets it apart.
• 01:39 – 04:29: Brandi Churchwell reconstructs the Delphi murders' key evidence and the public reaction.
• 05:12 – 09:33: Brandi offers an in-depth look at Abby and Libby's friendship, lives, and the timeline of the tragic day.
• 09:34 – 10:41: Kylie reflects on the importance of public engagement in seeking justice, and invites listeners to explore the full case on 13th Juror.

Summary

This Dark Downeast episode acts as both a thoughtful introduction to the 13th Juror podcast and a gripping, respectful overview of the Delphi Murders case. Balancing ethical storytelling with investigative rigor, Kylie Low and Brandi Churchwell emphasize how justice is as much about community understanding as courtroom verdicts. The presentation is vivid, empathetic, and powerfully invites listeners not only to learn, but to participate—making it essential listening for true crime fans, justice-seekers, and anyone interested in the human stories beneath the headlines.