Delphi Murders: Prime Suspect Richard Allen Found Guilty in 2017 Double Homicide; Shocking “Odinism” Defense Claims Emerge
Delphi Murders: In a case that gripped the nation, Richard Allen, the primary suspect in the 2017 Delphi murders, was found guilty on Monday, November 11, for the brutal killings of two teenage girls, Liberty German and Abigail Williams, in Delphi, Indiana. The disturbing case, which had gone cold for five years, resurfaced with Allen’s arrest in 2022. He was charged with two counts of murder and now faces up to 130 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for December 20.
A Haunting Day in Delphi
On February 13, 2017, Liberty, 14, and Abigail, 13, went for a hike on the Delphi Historic Trails. The two teens were reported missing that afternoon, and the following day, authorities discovered their bodies near the trail. According to reports, both girls suffered fatal neck injuries and were left partially covered by sticks and branches.
Liberty managed to capture footage of the suspect on her phone, showing a man walking toward them on the bridge, hands in his pockets. Police circulated the video to the public, which became a critical piece of evidence in the case. Despite the video and an audio clip of the suspect’s voice, authorities struggled to make an arrest, and the investigation went cold for years.
Arrest and Chilling Details
In October 2022, authorities arrested Richard Allen, a 52-year-old pharmacy worker who had continued to live and work in Delphi. Charged with the murders, Allen maintained an impassive demeanor in court as the case unfolded. The charges indicate that Allen allegedly killed the girls while committing or attempting a kidnapping.
A Twisted “Odinism” Defense Surfaces
Allen’s defense took an unusual and controversial turn as his attorneys argued that the murders were the work of a pagan cult, claiming that the girls were victims of ritualistic killings. According to his defense, a group of individuals practicing “Odinism,” a Norse pagan religion allegedly hijacked by white nationalists, orchestrated the brutal act. His lawyers argued that the positioning of the bodies, partially covered with sticks and branches, was consistent with pagan symbols associated with the cult.
Court documents from Allen’s defense also named four individuals they claimed were involved in the so-called Odinist rituals. However, authorities have not identified or pursued these individuals as persons of interest. The unusual defense strategy garnered attention but failed to sway the outcome of the trial.
What Comes Next for Richard Allen?
With a gag order in place, further details remain limited until Allen’s sentencing on December 20. As the Delphi community waits for justice for Liberty and Abigail, this high-profile case has brought long-awaited answers for the victims’ families, even as it leaves questions surrounding the defense’s claims.
