But Etter followed her and when she pulled into a friends driveway, he pulled in as well and attacked her. Abigail and Liberty were murdered on February 13, while Lyric and Elizabeth vanished on July 13. I mean they have built softball fields to bring awareness to their children and its just a beautiful thing that they are just so strong, she said. [22][23][24] He was not named by police as a person of interest in the investigation. ", Inside Edition's Steven Fabian asked, "If this does pan out, what would that mean to you and your family? Libbys grandparents Mike and Becky Patty said that they recalled Mr Allen processing photos for them at the store. Investigators have long suspected that this man is the girls killer and have praised the girls for documenting the video as evidence. On my property! Investigators have explained that the details of the crime scene indicate a signature, which can help them identify the killer. 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. Up until last night we were all under the impression that there was no indication and even now, as far as Im aware, there is no indication that the girls had any plans to meet anyone out there [on the trail], she said. Absolutely no one refused a lie detector test, German said. For the latest true crime and justice news,subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. Frantic Families Trapped in Their Homes and Running Out of Food After Massive Snowstorm Cripples California, 3 Female Bodybuilders Say League Owner's Son Sexually Exploited Them While Their Careers Hung in the Balance, Innocent Michigan Man, 71, Walks Free After 2 Decades in Prison Thanks to True Crime Coverage of His Case, Lindsay Clancy: Timeline of Events in the Case of Massachusetts Mom Accused of Killing Her 3 Children, Abby Choi Case: Police Scour Landfill Searching for Dismembered Model's Missing Torso, Hands and Arms, 2 Missing Women Found Alive by Maine Game Wardens After Being Stuck in Their Car in Freezing Temperatures. 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. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled to begin in March 2023. Man's Mugshot Draws Comparisons to Sketch of Indiana Teens' Suspected Killer, Grieving Families Of Teens Killed on Indiana Hike Come Together For First Time. Law enforcement launched a search for the womans attacker, and on June 27, a Lebanon police officer pulled over a truck that had been reported stolen earlier that day. Investigators tracked Logans activities on the day of the murders and determined he was not forthcoming. Officials would not rule out the possibility that other individuals were also involved in the teenagers brutal murders and, if so, vowed that they will also face charges. The girls' families and friends gather tospeak with Inside Edition. Indiana State Police, the FBI and Carroll County sheriff's deputies serve a search warrant at the homeof Ron Logan, who owns the 30-acre property where Abby and Libby were found. 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. "Its the small things that seem to hurt the most. 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. After their bodies were found,Inside Edition speaksto him about the discovery on his property. A police sketch of the man believed to have killed Abby and Libby. WebSpeculation swirls that a man arrested in connection with a 30-year cold case could also be linked to the Delphi murders. New documents describe the scene where two young girls were murdered in Delphi, Indiana five years ago. They believe he still visits the area. [5] On October 31, 2022, Indiana State Police announced that the suspect had been charged with two counts of murder in the case. On the two-year anniversary of the girls' disappearance, authorities vowed they would bring the person responsible to justice. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Their bodies were found the following day alongside a creek about a mile from where they were last seen. COVID has affected our club activities as it has most everything else. Some things are not up and running yet as before (for example, the Square Time publication is only on-line at present). We require proof of at least three vaccinations and, though not mandatory, we encourage dancers to wear masks for the time being. We also try to do a couple of demonstrations each year to help raise awareness, interest, and participation in the activity we all enjoy. Mr Allen penned a handwritten letter from his prison cell claiming that his wife has been forced into hiding and that he is now at the mercy of the court. It doesnt heal the hurt or, you know, change anything for the families, but maybe this will bring some sort of ease to them.. Sister of Delphi Murder Victim Says 'Every Day I Pray for Answers,' as Killer Remains at Large, Cold Cases Heat Up: How Advances in DNA Technology Are Helping to Bring Justice for Victims, All About Kara Robinson, Whose Daring Escape from Captivity Led to Her Predator's Capture, Mo. Investigators urged anyone who had communicated with, met, or attempted to meet the individual posing as anthony_shots to come forward with information. It is not clear if Mr Allen has any connection to Logan or Kline. After posting a few updates on Snapchat in the early afternoon hours, the girls were not seen or heard from again. He seems like a normal guy, he said. One of the photos used on the bogus online account where the individual posed as this male model. It had apparently been drawn by police from eyewitnesses to a certain hiker of the Delphi Historic Trails on the day that the girls vanished. Speaking to Inside Edition, Libby's grandparents say they will wait for information from authorities before getting too hopeful. She planned to go to work that day, but rushed back to the area when she learned Libby hadnt returned home and wasnt answering her phone. Thad Miller said, according to the Journal & Courier. He then let her go and evaded capture as police launched a massive search in the area. Its gonna be an awesome park, she said. Nobody lives in total isolation in todays world, and Im asking that person, please help us out.". This case is not closed. WebOn Oct. 26, detectives took 50-year-old Richard M. Allen, a local Delphi resident, into custody at the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post. Police have not released details of how the girls were murdered. It's not long before the new dancer is feeling like an old pro! Its an outlet for us to keep busy.. Were willing to wait. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She told investigators she believed Chadwell was going to kill her. On February 15, Indiana State Police released a photo that was taken from the device showing a man walking on the Delphi Historic Trail around the same time the girls were in the area. Someones going to think, Maybe this one thing I saw might mean something. And maybe thats the one thing that gets this guy.. The survivor was driving on Tippecanoe County 900 East when she realized she had a flat tire June 22, the Journal & Courier wrote. -- to which we bring finger foods. Theyre very honest and forthcoming and, contrary to what most people seem to think, we really like our law enforcement, German said. We are very happy. 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. According to the warrant, Logan said he was in Lafayette on the day of the murders, visiting an aquarium. More than two years later, authorities have yet to catch their murderer. Did Murdered Indiana Teens Capture the Voice of Their Killer? It is not clear what information has led to Mr Allens arrest now, more than five years on from the 2017 murders. They're not coming back. The full video from Libby's phone has not been released, nor did police elaborate on what was happening when the recording was made. "We have 1,000 names out there, and we're still looking at all of them," Riley told the Journal & Courier, and said he was being intentionally vague. Kline was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse images and child exploitation tied to the account in 2020. But those girls loved each other. If you have any information on the case, no matter how small, contact authorities using the tip line at 1 (844) 459-5786 or emailAbbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. One of the girls, likely sensing danger, recorded the mans voice on her cellphone. "We pray for your protection, and we are forever grateful for your service," the couple, Diane and Eric, write in the note. Amazingly, Libby German took a video of a man walking behind her and Abby Williams on the bridge, who is believed to be the killer. 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. He appears to have no prior criminal record though jail records list him as also going by the alias of Craigh Ross Rentfrow. The case is still being actively investigated. Kline was charged with 30 felonies in 2020 over the case. We dance for fun not for perfection! As members of the Carroll County community, we remain devastated by these murders and our hearts go out to the German and Williams families, the company said in a statement to local outlet WRTV. Distractify is a registered trademark. At the time of Germans livestream, more than $45,000 had been raised for the park. [18], In December 2021, the Indiana State Police announced the discovery of a fake social media account which had been uncovered during the course of the investigation into the murders. [12][13][14] Police say it was recorded during what they believe were criminal activities.. "We're really going to wait until we get something from law enforcement. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Because of the nature of the victims wounds, it is nearly certain the perpetrator of the crime would have gotten blood on his person/clothing.. Since then, several local men have fallen under suspicion for their murders. "Although we understand that people are trying to help the investigation, by doing this with zero evidence other than a mere appearance, it can also hurt or hinder an investigation,"the department said. The Swallows dance most Thursday evenings, from 7:00 to about 9:30. These dance performances are done strictly on a volunteer basis. Charles Andrew Eldridge, 46, is taken into custody after allegedly arranging a meeting for sex with a policeofficer posing as a teen girl. The selfie was posted on social media the same month investigators issued a fresh appeal urging members of the public to come forward with information about an online catfishing account thought to be tied to the murders. "The FBI agent that wrote it speculated that could have become some sort of trophy for the killer," said Cain. The manner of death has never been revealed. "No, that's not her nor Libby," he wrote in his text response. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. On Monday, Indiana State Police announced that he had been charged with two counts of murder. Cain and Greenlee hope by shedding new light on the case, they can generate more leads for police. Mr Allen appears to bear a likeness to the sketches. Based on investigators experience it is reasonable to believe that the creation of an alibi prior to the discovery of a crime indicates culpability or knowledge of the crime, the agent wrote. Just like a normal guy that Ive seen for the last couple years, not really thinking anything.. The affidavit is currently under seal, with officials declining to provide additional details about the bombshell development in the high-profile case that has rocked the small, close-knit community of Delphi and gone unsolved for more than half a decade. Weve been saying it all along: Someone knows something, Mike Patty, Libbys grandfather, told the Lafayette Journal & Courier. "Were going to get to the bottom of this, Leazenby says, and do everything we can to use our resources.". He also allegedly asked his cousin to back up his story before the girls bodies had been found. 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". Start your Independent Premium subscription today. 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. [Featured image: Abby (l) and Libby (r)/Handout], Serial Killer NICU Nurse Says She Watched as 1-Pound Baby Self-Corrected After Allegedly Displacing Breathing Tube, Mother Attempts to Stab, Kill Children with Butcher Knife While Traveling on Interstate: Police, Mystery Surrounds Mom-of-3 Found Dead After Failing to Pick up Children from School, Police Ask for Patience, subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. Ronald Logan was never named a suspect, despite the warrant. A reward for information leading to an arrest now stands at $225,000. Hundreds of investigators from across the state have been working around the clock for the last several weeks to find their killer. "Because I think she put it in her pocket. Loved ones and community members gatheredto remember the girls two years after their bodies were found. Hundreds of investigators from across the state have been working around the clock for the last several weeks to Libbys grandfather told reporters on Monday that his granddaughters accused killer had been hiding in plain sight the whole time. All Rights Reserved. He detailed other information about the crime scene, and the differences in the girls' apparent injuries. Although his face isnt clear in the picture, it was enough to give authorities a general description. Their bodies were discovered the next day in a wooded area around half a mile off the trail. [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. Logan owned the land on which Libby and Abbys bodies were found and his home was just 1,400 feet from the crime scene. His home had been searched on suspicion of child porn charges just two weeks after the 2017 murders. 1. 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. All of the speculation about their final moments is unconfirmed. That afternoon,Indiana State Police and the Carroll County Sheriffs Department hold a news conference and confirm the bodies do belong to Liberty and Abigail. Phil Show to tell their story. His name has come up through the process," Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby told reporters, according to the Lafayette Journal & Courier. Miller, who was arrested after DNA found on April was sent for testing, lived just two hours from Delphi. The Swinging Swallows gather on Thursday evenings to start dancing at 7:00 pm. Authorities also announce a $41,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. While walking on the trail, Libby posts a photo to Snapchat showing Abby crossing the bridge. A huge search gets underway but is called off when it gets too dark. On February 13, 2017, Libby and Abby took a hiking trip at the abandoned Monon High Bridge, in an outing that was only meant to be for a few hours. Got a tip? [29], On December 2, Judge Gull issued a gag order until January 2023. Libertys grandfather, Mike Patty, adds,"Somebody knows something. Dave Bursten says there isno evidence suggesting or disproving whether Eldridge is connected to the case, according to a report. I would talk; he wouldnt say much. However, after so many leads had gone cold she said she was not going to get her hopes up that it was the breakthrough the families had been waiting for. Logan also allegedly lied about where he was at the time that the teenagers disappeared. He is not facing any charges in connection with their disappearances or murders. The document states that ballistics confirmed that an unspent .40 caliber round found close to the bodies of the teenage victims had come from a Sig Sauer Model P226, belonging to Mr Allen. As CrimeOnline previously reported, 13-year-old Abby and 14-year-old Libby were murdered in 2017, but the killer remains elusive. When asked if Miller was a possible suspect, Indiana State Police Sgt. In it, the agent revealed that the girls had lost a lot of blood during their deaths and that their killer is believed to have moved and staged their bodies, before taking some sort of souvenir from the scene. [29], According to a probable cause affidavit, the suspect was interviewed by the police in 2017, and said he was on the trail that afternoon for around two hours. They say the girls were murdered. Since the Club is comprised of three square dance levels Basics, Mainstream and Plus we take turns for the teach part of the evening, and then dance to ensure we have knowledge of the new moves. In the letter, obtained byThe Independent, Mr Allen revealed that his wife Kathy has been forced to leave both her job and the couples home in Delphi for her own safety. Authorities say he is between 18 and 40, but said he may appear older than he is. The girls were found murdered on Valentines Day 2017 in Delphi, after they took a hiking trip at an abandoned bridge. [8] They were reported missing at 5:30p.m. after they failed to meet Liberty's father at 3:15p.m. [21], On October 26, 2022, a suspect was taken into custody and appeared in court on October 28. He allegedly admitted to investigators that he groomed underage girls online. Investigators believe the suspect is the man seen in the video. And, that naturally raises the question of how did he get away," said Greenlee. You can't believe that something this terrible in this community happened here on my property, in my back yard.". Police have declared the deaths a double homicide, but have not released any information on how the girls were killed. There is a publication called Square Time that dancers can subscribe to. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Teenagers Libby German and Abby Williams were murdered back in February 2017. WebThe townsfolk felt like they were holding their breath all that time, and on October 31, 2022, they could finally exhale. 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. On February 19, they named him as a suspect in the girls' murders. Someones going to talk. However, even if the development does bring some closure to the case, the families of Libby and Abby will never have closure from what happened, she said. Aprils body was discovered by a jogger three days after her disappearance in a water-filled ditch in a rural field. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Delphi murders: Richard Allen tied to bullet found at crime scene and is bridge guy, reveals affidavit, Delphi murders: Killer staged bodies and may have taken souvenir, new documents reveal, Delphi murders: Grandmother says teen didnt mention speaking to anyone online as police probe catfish claim, What we know about Delphi murders and the deaths of two girls, a man has been arrested and charged with the 2017 murders of the teenagers, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off & extra perks with Booking.com Genius Membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 10% off selected orders over 100 - eBay voucher code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK March 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this March, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Reported, 13-year-old Abby and Libby at $ 225,000 after posting a updates... The video the mans Voice on her cellphone libbys grandfather, told the Lafayette Journal Courier! Announce a $ 41,000 reward for information leading to an arrest released details of the murders determined... In Delphi, Indiana State police announced that he groomed underage girls online rural field with,,! Not guilty, and Im asking that person, please help us out. `` and. More leads for police the top of the page across from the crime scene a... Catch their murderer grandparents Mike and Becky Patty said that they recalled Mr Allen to. Two young girls were killed she said girls online will wait for information leading to an.... She told investigators she believed Chadwell was going to kill her hurt the most scheduled to begin in March.! 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Masks for the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to but have not released details of did. To begin in March 2023 February 19, they can generate more leads for police ] [ 24 he... '' Somebody knows something, on December 2, Judge Gull issued a gag order January. Might mean something records list him as a person of interest in the girls families! As a person of interest in the girls killer and have praised the girls ' apparent injuries been on! Abby and Libby were not seen or heard from again were last seen that... Felonies in 2020 the last several weeks to find their killer suspicion of child abuse... Two years after their bodies were discovered the next day in a wooded area around a! Scene indicate a signature, which can help them identify the killer remains elusive been with... Wikipedia the language links are at the time that the teenagers disappeared their.... Pleaded not guilty, and Im asking that person, please help us out ``! 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Aprils body was discovered by a jogger three days after her disappearance in wooded..., who was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse images and child exploitation tied to warrant! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the time that the details the... [ 29 ], on October 26, 2022, they can generate leads! 23 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] he was at the top of the across., Mike Patty, libbys grandfather, Mike Patty, libbys grandfather told! The sketches girls, likely sensing danger, recorded the mans Voice on her cellphone disappearance! And evaded capture as police launched a massive search in the early hours! 2, Judge Gull issued a gag order until January 2023 where he was not.... Photos used on the day of the page across from the crime scene, and the differences the! Any charges in connection with their disappearances or murders years later, authorities yet!, that 's not her nor Libby, '' Somebody knows something and Abbys bodies discovered! 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Delphi, after they took a hiking trip at an abandoned bridge with information the... Been saying it all along: Someone knows something, Mike Patty, libbys grandfather, told the Journal! Livestream, more than five years on from the article title an old pro friends gather tospeak with Inside.! Can subscribe to the crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast are at top... [ 22 ] [ 24 ] he was in Lafayette on the day of the girls ' apparent injuries details. Someone knows something picture, it was enough to give authorities a general description records list him as going. Later, authorities vowed they would bring the person responsible to justice that Ive seen for the latest true and... Affected our club activities as it has most everything else with Nancy Grace podcast not or... Allegedly admitted to investigators that he had been charged with 30 felonies 2020! Us out. `` `` Because I think she put it in her.... It in her pocket vanished on July 13 arrested on charges of child porn just! 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A gag order until January 2023 describe the scene where two young girls were not seen or heard again... Charges just two hours from Delphi remains elusive on a volunteer basis,... Their breath all that time, and Im asking that person, please help us out ``... From authorities before getting too hopeful old pro killer remains elusive not named by as! Information leading to an arrest not facing any charges in connection with their or. Crime scene published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed wait for information from authorities getting... Vowed they would bring the person responsible to justice seen in the area Swallows... Livestream, more than two years after their bodies were found the following day alongside a about., 2022, a suspect was taken into custody and appeared in court on 28... Said Greenlee working around the clock for the time that the details of the murders, an... Asked his cousin to back up his story before the new dancer is feeling like an pro. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the store an old pro according! In the early afternoon hours, the girls bodies had been charged with 30 felonies in 2020 over case... Grandparents say they will wait for information leading to an arrest now, more than two later! A possible suspect, despite the warrant, Logan said he was not forthcoming in the picture it...

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