Delphi Families Recognized as CrimeCon 2025's Crimefighters of the Year

Honoring Heroes of Justice at CrimeCon 2025

At the annual CrimeCon 2025 in Denver, a gathering dedicated to true crime enthusiasts, several individuals and families were recognized for their significant contributions to justice. Libby German, Abby Williams, and their families were honored as “Crimefighters of the Year.” This recognition highlighted their resilience and courage throughout the tragic events that unfolded in the Delphi case.

In addition to the families, Indiana State Police Lieutenant Jerry Holeman and Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland were also celebrated on stage. Holeman played a pivotal role in leading the investigation against Richard Allen, while McLeland was instrumental in securing a conviction for the 2017 killings. The judge later sentenced Allen to 130 years in prison, marking a significant victory for the victims’ families and the community.

McLeland shared his experience with attendees during a breakout session, expressing how it was a new and enriching experience for him. “It’s been nice to meet a lot of folks out here and kind of walk around and see the different content creators, different genres of, I guess, the true crime world that are out there,” he said. His insights provided a glimpse into the broader landscape of true crime and the diverse interests within the community.

Throughout the case, social media played a significant role in shaping public perception. The intense interest in the Delphi killings sometimes interfered with the investigation. McLeland emphasized the challenges faced by the prosecution team, including defending detectives against online attacks. “They were attacked by members of the internet for their integrity, they were called corrupt, they were called evil and they were called liars,” he recalled. Despite these challenges, the team maintained their professionalism and worked tirelessly to manage the spread of crime scene photos online.

McLeland also reflected on his advice to the girls’ families throughout the case. “A lot of it was, ‘Hey, try not to read that stuff you see on the internet,’ which is easier said than done,” he said. This sentiment resonated with many in the audience, highlighting the emotional toll of such high-profile cases.

During a similar briefing, ISP Superintendent Doug Carter addressed the audience, urging them to focus on healing and reducing the rhetoric surrounding the case. “Let’s heal. Let’s tone down the rhetoric,” he said. “Stop all the politics and all the nonsense and all the conspiracy theories.” His message underscored the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue in the wake of such tragedies.

Attendees at CrimeCon 2025 expressed their passion for true crime, with many sharing how they first became interested in the genre. Victoria Barrasbrantner, who traveled from New Orleans, described her journey into the world of true crime through YouTube videos. “If you’re into true crime or anything about crime or have been a victim of a crime, this is a good support network right here,” she said.

The conference also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with television and podcast hosts who fuel their interest in true crime coverage. Saja Janney, a self-proclaimed true crime addict, shared her excitement about meeting others who share her passion. “I’m a huge true crime addict, so it’s fun to be around everybody else that is too,” she said. Her enthusiasm was echoed by many in the crowd.

The event featured various activities, including meet-and-greets with families of the victims and sessions discussing the Delphi case. Attendees had the chance to engage with Libby and Abby’s families and learn more about the impact of the case on their lives.

During a session titled “From Tragedy to Justice: Inside the Delphi Investigation and Prosecution,” Holeman and McLeland shared their experiences with the audience. Holeman recounted the extensive efforts involved in the investigation, noting that over 70,000 tips were received. “We had, I think over 70,000 tips we had to go through all of them and it took a lot of time and effort,” he said. “But 69,999 of them weren’t the one we were looking for.”

McLeland emphasized the strength of the evidence against Allen, stating, “The evidence is there. He placed himself on the bridge. We assert he is the man on the bridge. He is the last person who had contact with the girls. We tied him to the crime scene. And then you have his confessions, so I believe he is the right guy.” His confidence in the verdict reflected the thoroughness of the investigation.

Holeman and McLeland were honored as “Crimefighters of the Year” by John Walsh, the creator and host of “America’s Most Wanted.” Their recognition highlighted the critical role they played in bringing justice to the victims and their families.

In addition to the Delphi case, other topics were discussed at the conference. Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison provided updates on the ongoing investigation into the Fox Hollow murders of mass killer Herbert Baumeister, who targeted young gay males in Indianapolis during the 1990s. This information added to the diverse range of discussions at CrimeCon 2025.