5 Shocking New Updates In The Abby And Libby Delphi Murders Case (2025)

The tragic and haunting case of Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German, known globally as the Delphi Murders, continues to capture international attention, especially with a flurry of new legal activity in late 2024 and throughout 2025. The path to justice has been long and complex since the two best friends were found murdered in February 2017. As of December 2025, the case is in a critical post-conviction phase, with convicted killer Richard Allen’s defense team aggressively challenging the verdict and introducing sensational new theories in their pursuit of a new trial. The conviction of Richard Allen in late 2024 was a major milestone, but it did not close the book on the case. The defense's subsequent filings have introduced a complex web of legal arguments and alternative theories, ensuring the Delphi Murders remain one of the most actively debated true crime cases in the United States. These recent developments, centered on the appeal process and the defense's shocking claims, provide the most current and essential context for understanding the ongoing pursuit of final justice for Abby and Libby.

The Victims: Biography and Last Day of Abigail Williams and Liberty German

Abigail Williams and Liberty German were inseparable best friends whose lives were tragically cut short on February 13, 2017, in their hometown of Delphi, Indiana. They were typical, bright, and active teenagers who were simply enjoying a day off from school.

• Abigail "Abby" Joyce Williams: Born on June 23, 2003, Abby was 13 years old at the time of her death. She was a middle school student known for her kind nature and close bond with Libby.
• Liberty "Libby" Rose Lynn German: Born on December 27, 2002, Libby was 14 years old. She was an eighth-grade student at Delphi Community Middle School. Libby was an avid photographer and was known for her quick wit and intelligence. Her quick thinking on the day of the murder would provide the single most crucial piece of evidence in the entire investigation.

The girls took advantage of an unseasonably warm winter day to go hiking on the local trails near the historic Monon High Bridge in Carroll County. They were dropped off around 1:00 PM and were supposed to be picked up later that afternoon. When they failed to meet their family, a massive search was launched. Their bodies were discovered the following day, February 14, 2017, off the trails near Deer Creek.

Libby’s foresight proved invaluable: before the attack, she used her cell phone to capture a short video and two photographs of the man who would become known as the "Bridge Guy". This grainy footage and a brief audio clip of the suspect saying "Down the hill" became the centerpiece of the seven-year investigation and the eventual trial against Richard Allen.

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The Conviction and Sentencing of Richard Allen (Late 2024)

The arrest of Richard Allen, a local man and former CVS pharmacy technician, in October 2022 provided a long-awaited break in the cold case. His subsequent trial and conviction were the culmination of years of intense investigation and public scrutiny.

Allen was found guilty on two counts of murder. The key evidence presented by the prosecution included a single, unspent .40-caliber bullet found between the girls' bodies at the crime scene. Forensic analysis linked this bullet to a gun legally owned by Allen, which was found during a search of his home. Although the defense argued there was no direct DNA or fingerprint evidence linking Allen to the scene, the "magic bullet" and Allen's later alleged confession while in custody were pivotal to the jury's decision.

In December 2024, Richard Allen was sentenced to the maximum penalty: 65 years for each count of murder, totaling 130 years in prison. This sentence was a powerful statement from the court, reflecting the brutality of the crime and the devastating impact on the German and Williams families and the entire Delphi community.

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Five Critical and Shocking Updates in the 2025 Legal Battle

Following the sentencing, the focus immediately shifted to the appeal process. Allen's defense team, spearheaded by attorneys Brad Rozzi and Andrew Baldwin, have filed a series of aggressive motions in 2025, attempting to vacate the conviction and secure a new trial. These filings have introduced five key, highly controversial, and current updates to the case narrative:

1. The "Ritualistic Sacrifice" Alternative Theory

Perhaps the most shocking development of 2025 is the defense’s alternative theory, formally submitted in court filings, which alleges the murders were not the act of a lone killer, but rather a ritualistic sacrifice connected to a cult. The defense suggests the crime scene contained specific symbols, including sticks and branches arranged in a particular formation, which they claim are consistent with ritualistic killings.

2. The Controversial Odinism Connection

Adding a layer of sensationalism to the ritualistic theory, the defense introduced evidence in a November 2025 filing linking the alleged cult activity to practitioners of Odinism. Odinism is a term used for modern paganism based on Norse mythology. The defense’s claim is that a group of individuals involved in this belief system was responsible for the killings, a theory that aims to shift the focus away from Richard Allen and introduce reasonable doubt about his sole culpability.

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3. The Alleged Critical Legal Errors Motion

A core component of the 2025 appeal strategy is the motion to vacate the conviction based on alleged critical legal errors during the trial. Allen's defense team argues that the court made several mistakes that denied their client a fair trial, including issues related to the handling of evidence, the admissibility of certain testimony, and the overall conduct of the proceedings. This technical legal argument is the primary mechanism by which the defense hopes to force a new trial.

4. The Unidentified DNA and Hair Evidence

The defense has consistently highlighted the lack of direct forensic evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, linking Richard Allen to the victims' bodies. In a recent filing, they renewed focus on a piece of evidence: a hair found at the scene that did not match Allen, Abby, or Libby. The defense argues that this unidentified hair, along with other trace evidence, points to the presence of an unknown third party—or multiple assailants—at the murder scene, thereby bolstering their ritualistic cult theory.

5. Richard Allen’s Interstate Transfer and Custody Status

Following his sentencing, Richard Allen was transferred out of Indiana to a facility in Oklahoma. While the specific reasons for the transfer were not fully disclosed, it is common for high-profile inmates facing safety concerns to be moved to different jurisdictions. This transfer in early 2025 has added another layer of complexity to the defense team's ability to consult with their client, though the legal filings and motions for a new trial have continued unabated from Indiana.

The Enduring Legacy of Abby and Libby

Despite the ongoing legal drama and the sensational details emerging from the defense’s filings, the legacy of Abby Williams and Libby German remains centered on who they were: two young girls full of promise. The community of Delphi and their families, including Libby's grandfather, continue to honor their memory. Efforts, such as the creation of the Abby & Libby Memorial Park and the fundraising for memorial softball fields, serve as a testament to the enduring love and commitment to keep their spirit alive. The case has also led to significant national conversations about child safety, the use of technology in crime-solving, and the tireless dedication of law enforcement and citizen sleuths who refuse to let the case fade from public view. The families continue to await the final resolution, seeking not just a conviction, but true, unassailable justice for their beloved daughters.