Don't Call it Cold: The Delphi Murders
- By Website Editor
- •
- 21 Mar, 2018
It’s been over a year since 13-year-old Abigail (Abby) Williams and 14-year-old Liberty (Libby) German were murdered while enjoying an unseasonably warm day in their small hometown of Delphi, Indiana. After school on February 13, 2017, the two friends were dropped off to hike the Delphi Historic Trails in Carroll County, Indiana.
Twenty-four hours later, their bodies were discovered not far from the Monon High Bridge, where Libby’s had uploaded the last picture taken of her friend to Snapchat. Despite trail cam footage, eyewitness descriptions, and the relentless efforts of dozens of investigators from multiple jurisdictions, their killer remains at large.
It’s a story that’s all too familiar to true crime enthusiasts: a small, closely-knit town shaken to its core; innocent lives ripped away too soon; a dedicated but thin-spread local police force chasing thousands of leads. With no luck.
In the past year, investigators have released a trail cam photo and composite sketch of the primary suspect, as well as a related voice recording (which Libby heroically captured on her cell phone), and have investigated various possible suspects with no arrests. We also know that multiple DNA samples have been recovered from the scene. With no suspect yet in custody despite the seemingly large volume of evidence, it’s tempting to say the case has gone cold.
But Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter disagrees.
“I’ve said all along, as long as I’m in this role and breathing, we’re not leaving the City of Delphi in Carroll County, Indiana, we’re just not,” Carter told The Indy Channel in a recent interview.
As we see in many cases, it’s also easy to assume that the investigators are small-town, shoe-leather police officers, inexperienced and ill-equipped to deal with the magnitude of such a heinous crime. These things don’t happen here, they always say.
But this investigation is a joint effort between Delphi Police, Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and the FBI, along with thousands of websleuths, volunteers, and experts. And, despite the compelling evidence that has been released, if you ask me, it’s the information we don’t know that’s a testament to the top-notch police work that’s going on behind the scenes.
We don’t know how the girls were killed or what kind of weapon, if any, was used. We don’t know if the girls were sexually assaulted. We don’t know the killer’s motive or whether the attack was premeditated. We do, however, know the police have additional audio evidence that they have not released.
When law enforcement officers withhold important information such as this, there’s a reason, and that reason is often to weed out the attention-seekers -- the crazies who come forward to “confess” in a desperate attempt to garner a few minutes of infamy. Often, it’s also because those details are crucial to creating an accurate profile of the killer to zero in on persons of interest.
Although investigators are playing this, by necessity, close to the chest, their clear dedication to and fervor for finding Abby and Libby’s killer gives me confidence that the status of the investigation has not changed.
But something else hasn’t changed, either: the sheer grief, horror, and pain of Abby and Libby’s families. And yet, Abby’s grandparents, Diane and Eric, recently left a tear-jerking note at police headquarters expressing their gratitude and support for the investigators and their efforts.
Libby’s grandparents, Mike and Becky Patty, along with Abby’s mother Anna Williams, will join HLN host Ashleigh Banfield for an intensive session at CrimeCon 2018. It’s sure to be an emotional hour covering what we know so far and status of the case, but will keep Abby and Libby front-of-mind, never losing focus on their positive spirits and heroic efforts in their final moments.*
Call the case “challenging.” Call it “emotional.” Call it “quiet.”
Just don’t call it cold.
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*As this is an active investigation, panel and participants are subject to change or cancellation based on case developments or breaking news.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
