“A Walk Through the Woods”: Dateline Reports on Abby Williams & Libby German Homicide February 21 2025

This Friday, February 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT, Dateline NBC will air a special two-hour episode titled A Walk Through the Woods, delving into the haunting case of the Delphi murders. Correspondent Andrea Canning investigates the brutal killings of Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14, whose lives were tragically cut short in their small hometown of Delphi, Indiana.

This episode features exclusive interviews with key figures in the case, including law enforcement officials and family members. Viewers will gain insight into how a video recorded by one of the victims played a crucial role in solving the case. The special will also explore the arrest, trial, and conviction of Richard Allen, who was found guilty nearly a decade after the murders.

The Day Abby and Libby Disappeared

On February 13, 2017, best friends Abby Williams and Libby German set out for a walk on the Monon High Bridge Trail, a popular hiking path in Delphi. That afternoon, at 2:07 PM, Libby posted a Snapchat photo of Abby standing on the bridge, a seemingly normal moment that would soon become chilling evidence in one of Indiana’s most infamous murder cases.

A little over an hour later, the girls were supposed to be picked up by Libby’s father, Derrick German, but they never arrived. Concerned, their families immediately began searching. What began as a routine missing persons case quickly escalated into a massive search effort that lasted late into the night. The following day, February 14, the worst fears of their families and the tight-knit community were realized—Abby and Libby’s bodies were found about 800 meters from the bridge.

The Key Piece of Evidence: Libby’s Video

In the days following the murders, investigators made a shocking revelation: Libby had captured a video of a man approaching them on the bridge. This short but critical recording, later released to the public, included both an image of the suspect—dubbed “Bridge Guy”—and a chilling audio clip in which he could be heard saying, “Guys… down the hill.”

Despite this crucial evidence, the case remained unsolved for years. Law enforcement received thousands of tips, and sketches of potential suspects were released, yet the trail remained cold. Frustration grew as the community demanded answers, with billboards, social media campaigns, and podcasts dedicated to keeping the case in the public eye.

The Long Road to an Arrest

For more than five years, the investigation struggled to make a breakthrough. However, in 2022, a long-overlooked tip brought new life to the case. Richard Allen, a Delphi resident, had told police in 2017 that he had been on the Monon High Bridge Trail the day the girls were murdered. Due to an internal filing error, his statement had not been thoroughly investigated.

When law enforcement revisited his account, they found additional evidence that placed Allen at the scene. A search of his home uncovered weapons and clothing that allegedly matched descriptions of the suspect. Most damning was an unspent round found near the crime scene that, according to forensic analysis, matched a firearm owned by Allen.

On October 28, 2022, Allen was arrested and charged with two counts of felony murder. He pleaded not guilty.

The Trial of Richard Allen

Richard Allen’s trial began in late 2024, drawing national attention as prosecutors presented a case built on circumstantial evidence, forensic analysis, and multiple confessions.

A key witness testified that she saw a man covered in mud and blood walking near the trail on the day of the murders. Forensic experts detailed the crime scene, revealing unsettling details: blood transfer stains on a nearby tree, signs that Libby had been attacked at the base of the tree before being moved, and evidence suggesting Abby was restrained before her death.

Perhaps the most devastating testimony came from Major Pat Cicero, who stated that Libby’s blood was mixed with moisture—likely her own tears. The revelation visibly shook her family members in the courtroom.

Though no DNA evidence tied Allen to the scene, the prosecution presented his confessions as crucial proof of his guilt. While incarcerated, Allen admitted multiple times—both on recorded calls to his wife and mother and to a prison psychologist—that he had killed Abby and Libby.

The defense attempted to argue that Allen’s confessions were unreliable, claiming they were made during a mental health crisis. They also proposed a theory that an Odinist cult may have been involved, citing alleged ritualistic elements at the crime scene. However, the judge ruled that this theory was inadmissible.

The Verdict and Aftermath

After a trial lasting several weeks, it took the jury less than 20 hours to reach a verdict. On November 12, 2024, Richard Allen was found guilty on all counts, including two charges of felony murder and two counts of murder while committing a kidnapping.

The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was read. Allen remained expressionless, only turning to ask his wife and daughters if they were okay. Meanwhile, the prosecution team embraced, and outside the courthouse, supporters of Abby and Libby’s families erupted into cheers.

Libby’s grandmother, Becky Patty, was seen hugging family members as they left the courtroom, their years-long fight for justice finally reaching its conclusion. However, due to a court-imposed gag order, the families have been unable to publicly comment on the case until Allen’s sentencing, scheduled for December 20, 2024.

A Legacy of Justice and Remembrance

The murders of Abby Williams and Libby German deeply impacted the town of Delphi and beyond. Their case became a symbol of perseverance, both for law enforcement and for families seeking justice for their loved ones.

In the years leading up to Allen’s conviction, Libby’s sister Kelsi had become a prominent advocate, keeping the case in the public eye through media appearances and social media. Following the verdict, she posted a tribute to the girls—a photo of them smiling in glow-stick glasses—accompanied by a simple yet powerful message: “Nearly eight years, today was the day.”

While the conviction of Richard Allen brings a measure of closure, the impact of Abby and Libby’s deaths will never be forgotten. Their names remain etched in the hearts of those who fought for justice, and their families continue to work toward ensuring that their loss leads to greater awareness and advancements in crime-solving technology.

As Dateline NBC revisits this heartbreaking case, A Walk Through the Woods offers an in-depth look at the investigation, the role of digital evidence in solving crimes, and the unwavering determination that led to justice for two young girls whose voices were taken too soon.