[Zone 7] The Delphi Murders: Through the Eyes and Words of Susan Hendricks

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Susan Hendricks to shed light on the tragic Delphi murders but also to highlight the power of community, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the importance of compassionate journalism.

Murder suspect Richard Allen is currently behind bars in connection with the 2017 murders of Libby German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 14. The victims were found murdered near the Monon High Bridge Trail, part of the Delphi Historic Trails in Delphi, Indiana.

The outing was only meant for a few hours. The girls took photos while strolling across the bridge, but as time passed and their family didn’t hear from them, police were called for assistance.

Sharlene Bowen, Sheryl McCollum, and Kelsi German [Photo courtesy of Sheryl McCollum]
Susan and Sheryl also reflect on Liberty’s sister, Kelsim, and her strength and resilience after the tragedy of losing her sister.

About Susan Hendricks

Susan Hendricks is a journalist and author. She has worked with CNN and HLN, known for her compassionate reporting style. She deeply connects to the Delphi case, having authored the book “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi.”

About the ‘Zone 7’ Host

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award-winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, a forensic and crime scene expert for “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” and a CSI for a metro-area Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook, “Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.”

McCollum is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students, and the criminal justice community. They come together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

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[Feature Photo: Flowers are placed at the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Ind., Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, near where Liberty German and Abigail Williams were last seen and where the bodies were discovered. The Indiana State Police announced an arrest in the murders of the two teenage girls killed during a 2017 hiking trip in northern Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)]