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Delphi Murders Suspect ‘Hiding In Plain Sight,’ Police Believe As They Release New Sketch, Video
“For more than two years, you never thought we’d shift gears to a new investigative strategy but we have,” police say as they hunt for the killer of Abigail Williams and Liberty German.
Police released a new sketch and audio recording of the man they believe is responsible for the murder of two Indiana teen girls, who disappeared from a hiking trail more than two years ago. And they had a message for the girls’ killer.
“We believe you are hiding in plain sight,” Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter said in a press conference held Monday to announce the developments. “For more than two years, you never thought we’d shift gears to a new investigative strategy but we have.”
Carter went on to say that investigators believe they have already interviewed the killer, or someone close to him and that he could even be in the room of the press conference.
“We know that this is about power to you and you want to know what we know. One day you will,” he said.
Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, were found dead Feb. 14, 2017, just one day after they disappeared from the Delphi Historical Trails. The girls had been dropped off at the trails on the afternoon of Feb. 13, 2017 to enjoy a day off from school at the hiking trails, but never returned to be picked up later that afternoon.
On Monday, investigators released a new sketch of the man they believe is responsible for the crime.
“The result of the new information and intelligence over time leads us to believe the sketch that you will see shortly is the person responsible of the murders of these two little girls,” Carter told those who had gathered for the news conference.
An earlier sketch released by investigators will now be considered secondary, Carter said.
The suspect was described as a male between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, who may have either lived or worked in the Delphi area at some point.
Investigators also released a longer audio clip that had been recorded on German’s cell phone where a male can be heard saying “down the hill.” Carter said although it may appear there are two voices in the clip, investigators believe the audio recording is just one man.
Police also released a video clip that was recorded on German’s phone that shows several seconds of a male in a blue jacket and jeans walking along the railroad track.
Carter asked for anyone who recognized the “mannerisms” captured in the video to contact police.
Investigators are also searching for the driver of a vehicle that was parked at the CPS/DCS/Welfare building office in Delphi. The car was later found between noon and 5 p.m. on Carroll County Road 300 North, near the Hoosier Heartland Highway, according to The Journal & Courier.
Although the slayings occurred more than two years ago, investigators now believe they are “just beginning” as they pursue a new investigational direction and could be closer than ever to catching the killer.
The victim’s families have agreed not to speak with media for the next two weeks as the investigation continues.
