Podcast Summary: Murder Sheet Episode: The Delphi Murders: First Person: First Sergeant Steve Buckley
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve deep into one of Indiana's most harrowing true crime cases: the Delphi murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams. They are joined by First Sergeant Steve Buckley of the Indiana State Police, who provides an insider's perspective on the investigation, challenges faced, and the eventual resolution of the case.

Background of First Sergeant Steve Buckley

First Sergeant Steve Buckley shares his journey into law enforcement, highlighting his roots in rural Indiana and his academic pursuit of criminology at Indiana State University. His passion for law and desire to experience the "real world" led him to the Indiana State Police in 2001.

"I really enjoyed that career track." (06:48)

Buckley's dedication is evident as he recounts his progression from a road trooper to a detective specializing in child crimes, a field he pursued out of empathy for the victims and a commitment to justice.

"I think I focused my attention because I wanted to bring those cases to life." (11:11)

Involvement in the Delphi Murders Case

Buckley's involvement in the Delphi case began shortly after the disappearance of the two young girls. As the squad leader overseeing a team of detectives, he played a pivotal role from the initial investigation to the courtroom proceedings.

"We started talking strategy... what do we need to do from here?" (24:34)

He describes the chaos and urgency of the early days, emphasizing the importance of organized resource allocation and effective communication among the myriad of law enforcement personnel involved.

Challenges Faced During the Investigation

The Delphi case presented unique challenges due to its high-profile nature and the overwhelming volume of public tips and media attention. Buckley highlights the difficulty in managing vast amounts of information and the necessity of filtering actionable leads from the noise.

"There was a lot of good information that came in." (29:59)

He also touches on the emotional toll the case took on investigators, underscoring the often-overlooked mental health struggles within law enforcement.

"Mental health in law enforcement is still very taboo and it's getting better, but it's still not being addressed the way that it should be." (65:01)

Breakthroughs and Key Moments

A significant turning point in the investigation was the identification of Richard Allen, referred to as "bridge guy," which brought renewed momentum to the case. Buckley recounts the moment he realized the potential of this lead during an interview.

"I really believe this is bridge guy... we were onto something in this case." (40:05)

His presence in the courtroom during Allen's trial provided him with a firsthand view of the legal proceedings, enhancing his understanding of courtroom dynamics and the prosecution's strategies.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

Buckley offers a candid critique of mainstream media's handling of the case, contrasting it with the integrity he finds in investigative podcasts and independent journalism. He emphasizes the essential role media plays in disseminating information while advocating for balanced and unbiased reporting.

"I saw more journalistic integrity out of some of the podcasters and youtubers than I did out of some of the mainstream media." (61:33)

He acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between law enforcement and media, stressing the need for accurate reporting to aid in investigations.

Trial and Verdict

Witnessing the trial of Richard Allen was a profound experience for Buckley. He describes the anticipation and emotional weight of awaiting the jury's verdict, ultimately expressing relief and a sense of justice being served upon Allen's conviction.

"I was proud of them, the way that they handled it. I think that's exactly the way that our system should work." (54:54)
"It's just a sense of relief... Justice being served doesn't mean that somebody is made whole again." (56:48)

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on the Delphi case, Buckley underscores the importance of trusting the investigative process, maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks, and the critical role of teamwork. He also highlights the lasting impact the case has had on both the community and the investigators involved.

"Trust the process. Just trust the process." (61:48)
"There's kind of a little bit of trauma bonding... among all of us that were a part of it." (68:09)

Buckley advises future investigators to remain steadfast, prioritize mental health, and uphold the integrity of their work despite external pressures.

Impact on the Community and Legacy

The Delphi murders left an indelible mark on the Lafayette community, transforming routine drives into poignant reminders of the tragedy. Buckley acknowledges the case's profound influence on local law enforcement practices and community relations.

"I. I think it has an impact. And you talk to guys that worked on the case. It... they all kind of have the same sentiment." (66:32)

Closing Remarks

In concluding the interview, Buckley extends heartfelt gratitude to the families of Liberty German and Abigail Williams, commending their unwavering support and patience throughout the investigation. He emphasizes the collective effort of law enforcement in achieving justice and honors the memory of the victims by striving for continual improvement in investigative practices.

"I think to the families, I just say thank you... They stood behind us." (70:33)

Notable Quotes

• "Trust the process. Just trust the process." — First Sergeant Steve Buckley (61:48)

• "We saw more journalistic integrity out of some of the podcasters and youtubers than I did out of some of the mainstream media." — Buckley (61:33)

• "It was surreal... I really believe this is bridge guy." — Buckley (40:05)

• "Mental health in law enforcement is still very taboo and it's getting better, but it's still not being addressed the way that it should be." — Buckley (65:01)

Conclusion

This episode of Murder Sheet offers a comprehensive and intimate look into the Delphi murders through the eyes of a dedicated investigator. First Sergeant Steve Buckley's reflections provide valuable insights into the complexities of high-profile investigations, the emotional resilience required in law enforcement, and the enduring pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

For those seeking in-depth true crime analysis and firsthand accounts from law enforcement professionals, Murder Sheet continues to deliver compelling narratives backed by journalistic integrity and thoughtful commentary.