In Delphi, Indiana, Kathy Shank, a dedicated volunteer who played a pivotal role in solving a high-profile murder case, made a heartfelt decision to decline a substantial cash reward.
Kathy Shank declined a $325,000 reward, requesting that it support a memorial for the victims instead, Mail Online reported.
In February 2017, the small town of Delphi was shaken by the brutal murders of two young girls, Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13. Authorities discovered their bodies in a wooded area near the Monon High Bridge Trail, thus marking the beginning of a long and arduous investigation. Later, Richard Allen, a 52-year-old local man, was identified as the perpetrator thanks to crucial evidence Shank uncovered.
Shank, a retired Child Abuse Investigator, subsequently returned to volunteer without pay and organized countless documents related to the case. During her meticulous review, she discovered a misplaced lead sheet under the name "Rick Allen Whitehead." This misfile, in turn, led her to uncover Allen’s presence on the trail on the day of the murders, a detail that had initially been overlooked because he had been mistakenly cleared.
Allen's trial subsequently began after his arrest, where he faced charges of two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder. In November, he was convicted, and then, in December, Judge Frances Gull sentenced him to a total of 130 years in prison, handed down as two consecutive sentences of 65 years each. During the sentencing, Gull expressed her extreme disdain for Allen, whose actions had deeply impacted the Delphi community.
Meanwhile, Kathy Shank’s decision to reject the $325,000 reward was driven by her wish to honor the memory of the young victims. She asked for the reward to be redirected toward building a memorial softball field and funding scholarships, both bearing the names of Liberty German and Abigail Williams.
This gesture was not only a tribute to the girls but also a statement about the values Shank holds dear. Her daughter, Jami, expressed pride in her mother’s actions, stating, "It's over. I can finally talk about it now. My mom caught the Delphi killer. She has lived in Carroll County for her entire life." Jami praised her mother's lifelong commitment to the community and her humility in handling the situation.
Prosecutor Nick McLeland acknowledged Shank's critical role at the post-sentencing press conference: “Whatever we needed she took care of and without her we would not have an arrest, a trial, and a conviction." He emphatically thanked Shank, indicating that without her diligence, justice might not have been served.
Judge Frances Gull's commentary during the sentencing highlighted the severity and brutality of the crimes committed by Allen. She remarked, "I've been a criminal judge for about 27 years and presided over the most hideous cases in Indiana. You rank as one of the most hideous...The families will deal with your carnage for the rest of their lives and you sit there and roll your eyes at me as you have rolled your eyes at me repeatedly during this trial."
This case not only brought closure to a grieving community but also illuminated the impactful role that volunteers like Kathy Shank can play in complex criminal investigations. Her decision to redirect the reward money underscores a community-focused approach to healing, ensuring that the young victims will be remembered and honored in perpetuity.
