Richard Allen, the man convicted of murdering two teenage girls near Delphi, Indiana, was sentenced to 130 years in prison on December 20, 2023. This maximum sentence was handed down by Judge Fran Gull after Allen was found guilty of killing Liberty "Libby" German, 14, and Abigail "Abby" Williams, 13, during their ill-fated hike on February 13, 2017.
During the sentencing at Allen Superior Court, Judge Gull expressed the heinous nature of Allen's crimes, stating, "You rank right up there with the most heinous crimes in the state of Indiana," directly reflecting on the impact of the case since its inception.
Allen's conviction was attributed to various pieces of evidence, including video and audio recordings from the trail, which showed a shadowy figure likely identical to Allen following the girls, accompanied by chilling audio of his voice stating, "down the hill." Confessions made by Allen during recorded prison calls—where he reportedly told his wife, "I did it, I killed Abby and Libby"—also played pivotal roles during the trial.
The historic case, which went cold for five years, re-ignited law enforcement and community efforts, leading to Allen's 2022 arrest after authorities matched the bullet found at the scene with one from Allen's main firearm.
During the proceedings, victim family members delivered emotional impact statements, recounting the heartbreaking void left by the girls' violent deaths. Libby German's mother, Kerry Timmons, conveyed the “path of destruction” inflicted on her family and reflected on how her daughter would be 22 years old today had her life not been stolen. “Please put me on your visitors’ list. I’ll listen,” she expressed, referencing Allen’s purported desire to apologize.
Josh Lank, Libby's cousin, vehemently spoke against Allen, declaring, "This man has made my family’s life a living hell. Now it’s time for your life to be a living hell,” invoking the deep pain and suffering caused by Allen's actions. Similarly, Abby Williams' grandmother, Diana Erskin, lamented how her life has been irrevocably altered due to the murder of her granddaughter, expressing horror at the memories of crime scene images.
The judge acknowledged the horrific nature of the crime, stating, “The impact on the families was astonishing; they had to deal with Allen’s carnage.” Judge Gull adjudicated Allen to serve two consecutive 65-year sentences, accumulating to 130 years.
Despite the overwhelming evidence presented, Allen's defense attorneys attempted to divert culpability, claiming members of the pagan Norse religion known as "Odinists" were responsible for the crime. This theory was categorically rejected by the judge, who ruled it could not be introduced at trial.
Following the family statements and the sentencing, Judge Gull confirmed Allen’s right to appeal, which Allen's defense team has asserted they will pursue, with plans to maintain his innocence during subsequent legal proceedings
“I live with my choice to let them go to the trails,” Becky Patty, Libby’s grandmother, expressed during her heartfelt testimony, emphasizing the guilt she carries and the anguish Allen's actions have caused. She expressed disbelief at Allen’s lack of remorse, declaring, “He robbed us all; the world was robbed.”
Emphasizing the irreparable loss their family has endured, Mike Patty, Libby’s grandfather, corroborated the sense of pride the family held for the girls and reiterated his disdain for Allen, “He’s a dangerous man; this is the man who, if allowed out, will kill again. He must be held accountable.”
Finally, upon the completion of the sentencing, Allen remained silent, declining the opportunity to address the court, displaying little emotion as Judge Gull criticized his demeanor during the hearings.
With the gag order lifted, the focus shifts to the memory of Libby and Abby, whose lives were forever altered by one individual. This case not only highlights the perseverance of law enforcement but also the resilience of relatives grappling with unspeakable grief and trauma.
