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Down the Hill

My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi

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Down the Hill

Written by: Susan Hendricks
Narrated by: Susan Hendricks, Kelsi German Siebert
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About this listen

Former CNN/HLN anchor and veteran broadcast journalist Susan Hendricks takes an investigative deep-dive into the still-unsolved double homicide of two teens in Delphi, Indiana—and its lasting impact on the community

On February 13, 2017, two teenage girls—13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German—decided to enjoy a day off from school by exploring the popular hiking trails near the Monon High Bridge just a few minutes’ drive from Libby’s home in Delphi, Indiana. Libby’s sister, Kelsi, dropped the two girls off at the head of the trail and waved to them as they walked down the path, which was the last time they’d ever be seen alive. Less than 24 hours later, their bodies were found on the north bank of Deer Creek, about a mile from where they were last seen. There were few clues and little to go on in terms of physical evidence, except for the visual and audio remnants of a strange encounter the girls had with a stranger just hours before their disappearance, an encounter unsettling enough that Libby had thought to record it on her cellphone as it unfolded. In the years since the murders were first made public, Libby’s audio and video recordings have been released and two very different composite sketches of the suspect have been shown, but local law enforcement remained vague about developments for years—until finally, in October 2022, the long-awaited suspect was arrested and a trial date was set.

Longtime anchor and journalist Susan Hendricks was one of the first reporters to cover the case. A broadcast veteran with decades’ worth of experience under her belt, she was no stranger when it came to sharing the tragedies of the day with viewers. But there was something about this case that rattled her to her core. A year after the murders, Susan went to Delphi to interview the victims’ families for an in-depth special report where Kelsi drove Susan down the same path that she drove her sister down on the last day of her life. Over the years, Susan has built close relationships with family members, and law enforcement officials and armchair detectives alike who are determined to get justice for Abby and Libby.

In Down the Hill, Hendricks digs deeper in into the mystery that has captivated our nation for years, exploring the family's enduring resilience and advocacy, as well as the rippling impact the case has had on not just Delphi, but the very heart of the American heartland. As a result, this book is more than just a book about a double homicide; it’s about a small town in middle America that’s been haunted by an unfathomable act of violence; it’s about the ways families and communities cope with grief and move forward after tragedy; it’s about the limitations of local law enforcement and the rise of technology in helping to solve cases in new ways. But it’s also about compassion, connection, empathy, and resilience—on a very real, very human level.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Susan Hendricks (P)2023 Hachette Books
True Crime Indiana
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What the critics say

“With compassion, integrity, and accuracy, journalist Susan Hendricks takes a closer look inside the tragic homicides of two young girls, Abby and Libby, in Delphi. Having formed a close relationship with the victims’ loved ones over several years, Hendricks provides unprecedented insight into their families’ resilience, challenges, and relief once an arrest was made. Her sharp eye for detail shines through as she explores various facets of the case using her unique connections, including my thoughts about the investigation and assessment of the suspect. DOWN THE HILL is an incredibly compelling read that is hard to put down; you’ll never look at this case the same way again.”—PAUL HOLES, retired cold case investigator and New York Times bestselling author of Unmasked

“In DOWN THE HILL, Susan Hendricks deftly navigates the complexities of the Delphi case, presenting a narrative of tragedy, resilience, and hope. The book offers a deep dive into the investigation, laying bare its successes, setbacks, and detours. It stands as a model for what every book in this genre should strive to be: compelling in its truth, courageous in its narrative, and compassionate in its approach.” —KEVIN BALFE, founder & executive producer, CrimeCon

“Susan Hendricks is a veteran journalist who has always captivated audiences with her soothing delivery and compassionate relatability for every interview and story told. Hendricks garnered a trusting relationship with the families of Abby and Libby and the respect of law enforcement with her long track record of telling stories with grace and empathy. Her deep dive into the Delphi case captures not only the twists and turns of the investigation, but at the human level, shows how this tragedy rippled through the victims’ loved ones and ignited the strength of the community in their shared pursuit for justice. Hendricks takes us on a truly compelling journey.”—MELISSA MCCARTY, true crime correspondent

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Sensitive journalism at its best

Thank you for allowing us to get to know Libby, Abby and their families through this story. Such brilliant, strong, inspiring spirits.

I appreciate how sensitively this book was written, and am thankful for her sensitive and mindful support of the families through these past few years. Although the topic is heartbreaking, the book was written so beautifully.



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