Were willing to wait. The murders have received media coverage that included reports of a video and audio recording of an individual believed to be the girls' killer were found on German's smartphone. [16], On July 23, 2019 a suspect who had been wanted for the kidnapping and rape in Tippecanoe County was named as one of multiple suspects being investigated for the Williams and German murders, according to Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby. At 1:35p.m. on February 13, 2017, 13-year-old Abigail Joyce "Abby" Williams and 14-year-old Liberty Rose Lynn "Libby" German were dropped off by German's older sister, Kelsi German, on County Road 300 North, east of the Hoosier Heartland Highway. On the afternoon of Feb. 13, 2017, a family member drops off Abby and Libby at a trail near the scenic Monon High Bridge, an abandoned railroad bridge over Deer Creek in Carroll County, Indiana. By this time, the reward offered in the case was set at $41,000. An updated sketch for the suspect was released in April of 2019, and no further information about his appearance has been publicly shared. Speaking to Inside Edition, Libby's grandparents say they will wait for information from authorities before getting too hopeful. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Police do not call the man a suspect but say they would like to talk with him. OnFeb.13, the same day the teens were reported missing, a photo was posted toSnapchatby Libby, showing Williams walking across theMononHigh Bridge. He also begged the court to appoint a public defender, after previously informing the court he intended to hire private counsel. Libby's big sistertook to YouTubeto debunk conspiracies surrounding the unsolved killings. In a chilling photo, posted by Mr Allens wife Kathy on Facebook in December 2021, Mr Allen is seen smiling alongside his wife in a local bar in Delphi. Neither one of them left each other's side.". Cain and Greenlee hope by shedding new light on the case, they can generate more leads for police. More than five years on from the murders, news of an arrest has finally been made has raised hopes among the Delphi community that there can finally be closure in the case. Although authorities share the information with the media, they do not reveal the identity of the bodies. Ms Patty had also sought to have sensitive information relating to the case kept out of the public eye, prosecutors said. READ MORE|ISP: Man in photo considered suspect in Delphi teen murder case, Audio clip down the hill released by police, To generate more tips, Indiana State Police released more clues found on Libbys phone. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. The Swinging Swallows Square Dance Club is a registered not-for-profit Ottawa Valley organization. Its gonna be an awesome park, she said. Investigators have been mostly mum on many case details but a redacted warrant provides a glimpse into information surrounding the All Rights Reserved. Local residents also reacted with shock when news broke on Friday of his arrest, saying that he seemed like a normal guy. Nobody lives in total isolation in todays world, and Im asking that person, please help us out.". At 2:07p.m., Libby posted a photo of Abby walking the bridge; after this, they were not heard from again. The posting was the last time the girls were seen. Kline allegedly told investigators he would use social media accounts to talk to underage girls and had exchanged messages with and received about 100 sexual photos and about 20 sexually explicit videos from around 15 underage girls. Libbys phone did ping on two towers, but that was because the town is so small, if you move to one side of the house, your phone will switch towers sometimes, German explained. Did Murdered Indiana Teens Capture the Voice of Their Killer? After authorities said Libbys phone pinged off two towers the day she disappeared, armchair detectives theorized it must have been because the device was moving around town, but German said that was not the case. Abigail and Liberty were murdered on February 13, while Lyric and Elizabeth vanished on July 13. A recently obtained search warrant shows the FBI was looking at a man on probation, shortly after the murders, who lived very close to the crime scene, matched a description of a possible suspect and lied to police about his whereabouts the day of the murders. Investigators tracked Logans activities on the day of the murders and determined he was not forthcoming. In a news release, Randolph County police said "outside of the person resembling the sketch, there is currently zero evidence that ties him to this case and he is not a suspect in the case.". The girls took photos while strolling across the bridge, but as time passed and their family didnt hear from them, police were called for assistance. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Further, although the public has only heard a few seconds of a recording made by one of the victims before her death, the agent wrote in the warrant that the full recording is 43 seconds long. WebDELPHI, Ind. The Swallows dance most Thursday evenings, from 7:00 to about 9:30. "We just hope that with more information that comes out, the more tips and actionable tips that people are able to give law enforcementwe can get a step closer to closure," said Cain. It is not clear what information has led to Mr Allens arrest and charges now, more than five years on from the 2017 slayings. She noted that any whispers of her family taking donations meant to go toward the memorial park being built in honor of Abby and Libby were also false. Until now. "We hear that muffled: 'down the hill, down the hill' Why was it muffled?" The evidence released to the public has been minimal, but here's what we know so far: Social media photos give snapshot of teens location. The friend texted a man named David, who claims to have found the bodies, because there were alleged crime scene photos leaked online. WebFor the first time, a man has been arrested and charged with the 2017 murders of the teenagers. The Club has an annual membership drive every September (usually the second and third Thursdays after Labour Day). Kegan Anthony Kline fell under the spotlight last year when the online account he used to groom underage girls online was tied to the teenage victims. [19]A 27-year-old man from Peru, Indiana who was being held in custody for alleged sex crimes against children, later stated in an interview that he had created the account. Its had a big effect. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is Thad Miller said, according to the Journal & Courier. Nations' wife says he resembles the police sketch of the suspectbut did not own the clothing seen in the photo. Libbys grandfather told reporters on Monday that his granddaughters accused killer had been hiding in plain sight the whole time. We also try to do a couple of demonstrations each year to help raise awareness, interest, and participation in the activity we all enjoy. They say they know the man responsiblewill be caught andbrought to justice. An additional plea was made for help in identifying the driver of a vehicle left abandoned off the Hoosier Heartland Highway in Delphi, at the former Child Services office, between noon and 5 p.m. on the day of the murders. There are so many that I could talk about Hopefully I cleared a whole bunch up for you guys, German said. Days later, the community also hosts Abby & Libby Celebration of Life at Delphi Community High School to raise money for a softball complex planned in their memory. on the Dr. [30] A witness said she saw a man walking away from the bridge "wearing a blue colored jacket and blue jeans and was muddy and bloody." He also noted that it appeared to him as if Libby German may have been personally attacked based on the extent of her injuries. [9], On April 22, 2019, Indiana State Police announced a "new direction" in the case and released a new sketch of the suspect, while urging the public to look at the sketch, listen to the audio, watch how the man walks on the bridge and send tips to the tipline email. German addressed more specific rumors as well. This came after a fresh appeal was launched in December urging people to come forward with information about an online catfishing account. Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The people behind the scenes will not rest until we get this case solved. On February 14, 2017, the bodies of Abigail Williams (June 23, 2003 February 13, 2017) and Liberty German (December 27, 2002 February 13, 2017) were discovered near the Monon High Bridge Trail, which is part of the Delphi Historic Trails in Delphi, Indiana, United States, after the young girls had disappeared from the same trail the previous day. Authorities in Indiana investigating the unsolved murders of two best friends are looking into a 42-year-old man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old. Based upon my training and experience it is common for perpetrators of this type of crime to take a souvenir or, in some fashion, memorialize the crime scene, the agent wrote. The Advertizing and Publicity persons are Doug & Gloria Bateman. In 2015 we began a new annual tradition by hosting the Boys and Girls Club for a dinner and some dancing after. I love my family so much. The male model whose photos were used had no connection to the case. Chadwell allegedly brought the child to his basement, where he beat her and sexually assaulted her until police knocked on his front door. The suspect's defense attorneys argued in a motion to move the trial out of Carroll County, based on concerns about juror bias due to what the attorneys described as the "extensive media attention" and the "highly publicized nature of the case" in the local area. "We pray for your protection, and we are forever grateful for your service," the couple, Diane and Eric, write in the note. Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most your children. During the course of news coverage of his arrest,localIndianaresidents noticehis mugshotresemblesthe sketch of Abby and Libby's alleged killer and begin calling the police tip line. [22][23][24] He was not named by police as a person of interest in the investigation. German stressed her family had been nothing but cooperative with the police investigation. Mom Strangled Her 3 Children to Death After She Heard a 'Man's Voice Telling Her To': Prosecutors, Accused Delphi Killer Once Helped Victim's Family with Photos at CVS, and Didn't Charge Them: Grandmother, 1970s Glam Rock Star Released Early from Prison After Serving Half His Sentence, Mom of Slain Delphi Teen 'in Shock' that Suspect Was 'Living Right Under Everyone's Noses', Fed-Ex Driver Accused of Killing Athena Strand, 7, Is Also Charged with 3 Counts of Sexual Assault, Illinois Man Accused of Stabbing 14-Year-Old After Meeting Her Online and Traveling to Her Home, Interview Transcripts from Delphi Murder Case Reveal Man Admitted to Communicating with Libby German, Ga. Woman Was Killed Inside Car Dealership, Suspect Is Business Partner She Used to Date, Utah Man Who Killed Wife, 5 Kids Was Previously Accused of Choking Daughter, Who Feared He'd 'Kill Her', were abducted and murdered while hiking a trail in Delphi, sister, Kelsi German, previously told PEOPLE. All Rights Reserved. The warrant, filed by an FBI agent investigating the murders back in 2017 and partly redacted, was to carry out a search on the home of a local man Ronald Logan. What do you all think?" State police said that in the wake of the new evidence released in April, more than 3,000 new tips have come in, including thousands of emails, more than 500 calls to the tip line and nearly 150 calls and/or walk-ins to local police departments. State police continue to stress the importance of reporting tips to authorities and not over social media to avoid speculation and confusion. Their bodies were found the following day alongside a creek about a mile from where they were last seen. The girls' families and friends gather tospeak with Inside Edition. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland also argued that unsealing the affidavits would open witnesses to harassment, according to Fox59. They have also suggested that the crime scene was odd in nature. We like to visit retirement and long-term care homes and other community events to dance for their entertainment and our well-being, as a Club and as a person! He allegedly admitted to investigators that he groomed underage girls online. Resident Audrey Wardrip said that the family never gave up hope. That was like being hit with a bolt of lightning. ", "There'll never be closure," Patty said. Libby was heralded a hero by state police for having the presence of mind to begin recording. The girl was discovered locked in Chadwell's basement during a search of his home. The YouTube channel Zav Girl broke down the text messages in a video entitled "Text Messages from the Guy that found Abby and Libby? Authorities who quickly searched the area did not initially suspect foul play in the disappearance. According to the redacted document, video footage recovered from German's phone showed one of the victims mentioning "gun" as a man wearing a dark jacket and jeans approached them and ordered them to go "down the hill". I dont think that we could get through this without each other, and I love you guys so much.. The Hall is an excellent facility that provides two floors for dancing, if needed, and the use of a kitchen for our party nights. Mr Allen appears to bear a likeness to the sketches. Though autopsies were performed on both girls, neither police nor the FBI has released the cause of death of either girl, or information about what, exactly, A police sketch of the man believed to have killed Abby and Libby. - Stunning new documents describe the scene where two young girls were murdered in Delphi, Indiana, five years ago. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. DELPHI, Ind. In the more than three years since the girls' tragic murders, very little evidence has been released about the case including the cause of death. Here is a previous episode on the case. -- to which we bring finger foods. He handcuffed her and forced her into his car, driving to his familys property on County Road 750 East, where he sexually assaulted her during the five hours he held her captive, officials said. The new sketch April 2019. All of the speculation about their final moments is unconfirmed. WebThomas Bruce, a killer and former pastor, resembled the man in the Delphi video Thomas Bruce Thomas Bruce, a former pastor, was charged with fatally shooting one woman and The murders On 13 February, 2017, Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, went for a hike over the Monon High Bridge in Carroll County, Indiana. Autopsies are conducted on the bodies. Married to his wife Kathy with whom he shares an adult daughter, Mr Allen is a trained pharmacy technician, receiving his most recent pharmaceutical licence in February 2018 one year on from the murders. The families initially searched for the girls themselves before calling the police. We all had a great time at the first event when Andy gathered old and young together in a big square to start the dancing! "I feel like a victim in this situation," he says. Though theirkiller has not been caught or identified, authorities said during their investigation, they had looked at Paul Etter. They were reported missing two hours after they didn't show up for their ride home, and their bodies were found the following day about half a mile away from the bridge. Were willing to wait as long as it takes.. [5] On October 31, 2022, Indiana State Police announced that the suspect had been charged with two counts of murder in the case. After their bodies were found,Inside Edition speaksto him about the discovery on his property. Theyre very honest and forthcoming and, contrary to what most people seem to think, we really like our law enforcement, German said. The release of the audio triggered more than a thousand tips. [17] On April 27, 2021, Indiana State Police detectives named another suspect as a new person of interest in the Delphi murders. However, he denied any knowledge or involvement in the two teenagers deaths. My fear is that we could be here 10 years from now, and we wont know what happened or why, Abigails mother, Anna Williams, says on the show. WebMan Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl, 9, Might Have Ties to Unsolved Delphi Killings: Police Libby German, 13, and Abby Williams, 14, were abducted and murdered while - Stunning new documents describe the scene where two young girls were murdered in Delphi, Indiana, five years ago. It has also emerged that the accused killer brazenly posed for a smiling selfie in front of one of the police sketches of the murder suspect. I always use the adage of, If you see something, say something. Nothing is going to be considered a dumb tip or a tip that we dont want. Hundreds of investigators from across the state have been working around the clock for the last several weeks to find their killer. There is a publication called Square Time that dancers can subscribe to. Although his face isnt clear in the picture, it was enough to give authorities a general description. Investigators have explained that the details of the crime scene indicate a signature, which can help them identify the killer. [9], On February 22, law enforcement released an audio recording where the voice of the suspect, although muffled, is heard to say, "Down the hill. WebOn Monday, police announced that Richard Allen, 50, of Delphi, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Libby and Abby. We are not done with this investigation there are countless people working on this every day. "This horrible crime has torn a hole in our families that will never heal," he says. Indiana State Police release a sketch of the murder suspect. A group of local residents organize a community outing to the trail that the girls hiked the day they were killed. Police say it was recorded during what they believe were criminal activities.. After spending nearly half an hour addressing different theories and rumors, German said she was going to move on to different topics. [8] They were reported missing at 5:30p.m. after they failed to meet Liberty's father at 3:15p.m. She spoke highly of relatives who had been smeared online and noted their alibis and other proof she said showed they had nothing to do with the killings. There is always cold water available, and tea and coffee cost a quarter per cup! "We're really going to wait until we get something from law enforcement. "I just want people to know the truth, that I am not a monster.". Kim Riley would not comment. "Because I think she put it in her pocket. The FBI has released a description for the suspect, which is that he is a white male between 5'6" and 5'8" tall. I dont think anybody can remember something [specific] after something tragic like that happens.". [12][13][14] On Feb. 13, 2017, 13-year-old Abigail "Abby" Williams and 14-year-old Liberty "Libby" German went to the Monon High Bridge in their home town of Delphi, Ind., while off from school for an unused snow day. email us atinfo@getupanddance.caor give us a call with questions about modern square dancing, our Club and joining our group, Facebook: We now know who the FBI was looking into at first as a potential suspect in the 2017 murders of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams. My family is so strong, German said. "That is a very big misconception Weve been very open and gave the police everything that we know.. Speculation swirls that a man arrested in connection with a 30-year cold case could also be linked to the Delphi murders. The accused killer brazenly posed for a smiling selfie in front of one of the police sketches of the murder suspect, We are shocked and saddened to learn that one of our store employees was arrested as a suspect in these crimes. Richard Allen pictured in mugshot after arrest for Delphi murders. The suspect had died by suicide the previous month. He faces multiple charges, includingtwo counts of child molestation, and is currently being held without bond. Its an outlet for us to keep busy.. He says he was buying tropical fish at the time of the murders. He then let her go and evaded capture as police launched a massive search in the area. The victims, according to the warrant, didnt have any defense wounds, but some articles of clothing were taken from them and removed from the scene. Had also sought to have sensitive information relating to the Journal & Courier is going to until! Because I think she put it in her pocket can help them identify the killer likeness to case... Posted a photo was posted toSnapchatby Libby, showing Williams walking across theMononHigh Bridge considered dumb... 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