Delphi murders docuseries arrives as defense preps appeal
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Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland answers questions at a press conference after the arrest of Richard Allen in 2022. Photo: Jeremy Hogan/Getty Images
A new true crime docuseries dives into Carroll County's shocking double murder case.
The big picture: The three-part ABC News Studios series takes viewers from the moment Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German went missing while hiking the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi on Feb. 13, 2017 through Richard Allen's sentencing on Dec. 20, 2024.
The intrigue: "Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge" features Kathy Allen, Richard Allen's wife, opening up on camera for the first time about the case, as well as new interviews with family and friends of Abby and Libby.
Driving the news: Allen's attorneys have until Friday to submit their brief appealing Allen's 130-year sentence to the Indiana Court of Appeals, but they are requesting more time to prepare their case.
- They cite case complexity and lack of access to their client as reasons for the 30-day extension. Allen was transferred to Oklahoma under an interstate compact agreement with the state of Indiana in July.
Zoom in: Here is what viewers can expect from each episode of the new docuseries.
Episode 1: "Missing in Delphi"
- The first episode focuses on the lives of Abby and Libby, and the events that unfolded after loved ones realized they were missing.
- Viewers will see how Delphi became a "true crime playground" overnight as the case attracted online sleuths, podcasters and content creators who developed a self-professed obsession with solving it.
- The murders eroded trust in Delphi. A feeling that the killer could be anyone was fueled by frustration over factors like slow progress and two very different suspect sketches being released.
Episode 2: "Evil Among Us"
- The second episode shifts much of the focus to Richard and Kathy Allen, giving the latter the chance to tearfully maintain her husband's innocence.
- "I need people to know my husband is not a monster," she says when asked why she agreed to be interviewed.
- The episode shows footage of Richard Allen being interviewed by police, and explains how a misfiled report found and flagged by a local volunteer gave investigators the break they needed to make an arrest in October 2022.
Episode 3: "A Killer in Focus"
- The final episode covers preparation for the murder trial. It includes theories from the defense about other people they considered viable suspects and examines claims of ritualistic elements tied to the case.
- Viewers also see the frenzy reach its peak with people driving from out of state to wait outside the courthouse for the chance to be one of just 24 members of the public allowed to attend the proceedings.
Where to watch: "Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge" is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.