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Libby German's family speaks out after arrest of suspected killer

"I just know that there's another job, another hill for us to climb ahead of us. But we're up for the challenge," Mike Patty said.

DELPHI, Ind. — The family of Liberty German is speaking out after the announcement of Richard M. Allen being charged in the Delphi killings.

Allen is facing two counts of murder in the killings of German and Abigail Williams in February 2017.

When asked if he had anything to say to Allen, German's grandfather, Mike Patty, had a short response.

"No, I'll save that for when I see him face to face," Mike Patty said.

Patty mentioned that law enforcement had always said the killer could be living among the people of Delphi.

RELATED: Here's what we know about Richard Allen, the suspect in the Delphi murders

Patty said their attention now turns to the trial.

"It was kinda bittersweet. I just know that there's another job, another hill for us to climb ahead of us. But we're up for the challenge, and we're gonna keep after it. We're not gonna stop," Patty said.

RELATED: Richard M. Allen charged in Delphi murders, pleads not guilty

The family said Allen actually processed some of the photos for the family. The family said Allen did not charge them for the photos when they went in to the CVS to collect them. 

Patty said he still wants people to call in any tips or information they might have on Allen or the case. He said there's a possibility someone else might still be out there that is involved.

"I want to make sure we have everything we might possibly need and more. I don't want to leave any stone unturned," Patty said. 

The family said they were told there was someone detained on Oct. 26. Becky Patty said it gave them a couple of days to process the information before it became public.

"I don't feel like I thought I would. I've always said that I would be screaming from the rooftops, but we're not. It's sad," Becky said. "While there's somebody that's been arrested, our lives for five-and-a-half years have been in search mode, and that's what we've done. Now you get up and it's like, 'we're not doing that anymore.' So we're all kind of just feeling our way, figuring out what our purpose is now. What do we do next? How do we help?"

The mother of Libby German, Carrie Timmons, released the following statement to 13News:

Today isn't about what wasn't said, it's about what was!

Richard M. Allen has been arrested and charged with the murders of Libby and Abby.

I have begged, pleaded and prayed to hear these words for nearly 6 years! But nothing could prepare me for the feeling of sitting there and actually hearing them. To say it's been an emotional rollercoaster would be a great understatement. That being said, i know that this is just the beginning.

Over the next few weeks, months and maybe even years, the story will finally be told. Justice will finally be served. Hopefully questions will be answered and we as a family and community can begin to heal.

I am so very grateful for all of the loving support and kind words from friends, family and even strangers. Many days, that is all that has kept me going. And for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please continue to lift all of us in prayer, send good vibes and positivity, because we are truly going to need it.

This isn't a time for victim blaming or shaming. There is no need in vigilante justice. Please keep in mind that we have a justice system for a reason. Everyone has a right to a fair trial and is considered innocent until proven guilty. Remember that the Bridge guy has a family and they are not responsible for his actions. They are in fact also his victims.

I also want to thank all of the reporters, podcasters and other news and social media outlets for keeping our girls' story relevant and in the public eye. While sometimes it's been painful, I am grateful for you all.

Justice is finally coming, Libs!! It's going to be a long and bumpy road. But I'm ready for the journey. Maybe then we can have some peace. I love you most.... #pinkiepromise

Allen is being held without bond at the White County Jail. His pretrial conference is scheduled for Jan. 13 and his trial is initially set for March 20. He has pleaded not guilty.

RELATED: Here's a timeline of major developments in the Delphi murders case

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