Indiana Man Sentenced to Maximum 130 Years in Prison for Murder of Two Teenage Girls
Background
In 2017, two teenage girls, Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14, vanished during a winter hike in Delphi, Indiana. The case has long been a source of fascination for true-crime enthusiasts, with tantalizing evidence and repeated delays.
Trial and Conviction
After a weeks-long trial, Richard Allen, 52, was convicted on November 11, 2022, of two counts of murder and two counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping. Allen faced between 45 years and 130 years in prison for the killings.
Sentence
On Friday, Judge Frances Gull sentenced Allen to 65 years for each girl’s murder, the maximum length for both charges. The judge also stated, "These families will deal with your carnage forever."
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution argued that Allen, armed with a gun, forced the youths off the hiking trail and had planned to rape them before a passing van made him change his plans and he cut their throats. Prosecutors presented evidence, including an unspent bullet found between the teens’ bodies, which was tied to Allen’s.40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun.
Defense’s Case
The defense argued that Allen’s confessions were unreliable due to his severe mental health crisis while in isolation. They also claimed that no witness explicitly identified Allen as the man seen on the hiking trail or the bridge, and no fingerprint, DNA, or forensic evidence links him to the murder scene.
Conclusion
Richard Allen will face the rest of his life in prison, with a minimum possible 45-year sentence with good time credit. The case has been a long and arduous one, with repeated delays and setbacks. The families of the victims will finally have some closure, but the tragedy will continue to cast a shadow over the small town of Delphi.
FAQs
Q: What was the sentence imposed on Richard Allen?
A: Allen was sentenced to 65 years for each girl’s murder, the maximum length for both charges.
Q: What evidence did the prosecution present to link Allen to the murders?
A: The prosecution presented evidence, including an unspent bullet found between the teens’ bodies, which was tied to Allen’s.40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun.
Q: Did the defense present any evidence to support their claims of Allen’s innocence?
A: The defense argued that Allen’s confessions were unreliable due to his severe mental health crisis while in isolation, and that no witness explicitly identified Allen as the man seen on the hiking trail or the bridge, and no fingerprint, DNA, or forensic evidence links him to the murder scene.
