On February 13, 2017, teenage friends Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14, were reported missing in Delphi, Indiana. The following day, authorities discovered both teens deceased along the tracks of the nearby Monon High Bridge Trail. The killings shocked the small community and quickly drew national attention due to the public release of an audio recording in which a caller described the crimes. Over the next years, investigations, tips, and official statements clarified many details while key questions remained open. This timeline summarizes what is confirmed and how the case unfolded.
Initial missing persons report
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office records show Abigail Williams and Liberty German were reported missing around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2017. Both teens had attended a basketball game earlier that day and planned to meet friends. Family and friends began searching immediately, and local efforts escalated through the evening.
Timeline of events on February 13, 2017
| Time (approx.) | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 p.m. | Abigail and Liberty reported missing | Official start of missing persons inquiry |
| 4:00–7:00 p.m. | Ground search by family, friends, volunteers | Early efforts to locate the teens |
| Evening | Delaware County 911 receives audio of caller describing crimes | Key evidence released publicly; led to widespread attention |
Discovery of the victims
On Friday, February 14, 2017, at roughly 9:30 a.m., a caller alerted police to bodies near the Monon High Bridge Trail. Officers located Abigail and Liberty along the trail tracks; they had died from blunt-force trauma. The audio recording provided details known only to investigators, intensifying public focus on the case.
Investigation and public engagement
In the days following, the FBI, Indiana State Police, and Delphi officials coordinated the response. Tip lines received thousands of calls, and rewards were posted. A public release of the 911 audio drew international coverage. Searches and digital forensics expanded, with authorities examining social media, phones, and potential persons of interest.
Notable investigative actions
- Release of 911 audio on February 14, 2017
- FBI involvement announced, reinforcing federal resources
- Establishment of a multi-agency task force
Arrests and charges
On July 23, 2017, prosecutors filed charges against Kurt E. Myers, a 36-year-old Delphi resident. Later that day, a standoff ended with Myers dead. No co-defendants were charged, and the motive remains officially unresolved. The arrests brought partial closure but left many questions.
Key case milestones at a glance
| Date | Milestone | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 13, 2017 | Teens reported missing | Initial law enforcement response activated |
| Feb 14, 2017 | Bodies discovered; audio released | Public and media attention surged; evidence outlined |
| Feb–Mar 2017 | Thousands of tips reviewed | Broadened investigative scope |
| Jul 23, 2017 | Arrest of Kurt E. Myers; subsequent death | |
| 2019–present | Ongoing reviews, public inquiries | Transparency efforts and continued interest |
Official findings and later reviews
The Indiana State Police and FBI concluded that Kurt E. Myers acted alone. In 2020, a special prosecutor reviewed evidence and affirmed charges would not be filed against others. Independent podcasts and news outlets have continued to examine inconsistencies, but no verified alternate theory has gained official support.
Frequently asked questions
- When exactly did the Delphi murders occur?
- Answer: The victims were killed on the morning of February 14, 2017, after being reported missing on February 13, 2017.
- Who was responsible?
- Answer: Kurt E. Myers was identified as the suspect and was killed during an encounter with police.
- Why is the audio important?
- Answer: The caller’s detailed knowledge helped confirm the authenticity of the scene and advanced the investigation.
- Are there new developments?
- Answer: Reviews and public discussions continue, but no new arrests have been made.
Understanding when did the Delphi murders happen is essential to grasping the sequence of events, the response, and the lasting impact on the community. While core facts are established—dates, identities, and the role of audio evidence—many questions remain open, ensuring continued public and investigative interest.