DELPHI — It's been more than two years since Liberty German and Abigail Williams were killed, but investigators continue to hold onto hope, saying they are just "one tip" away from finding their killer.
“If somebody knows something, they need to tell us," ISP Superintendent Doug Carter said. "I think they’re afraid to — it's why we have not heard yet — I think they’re afraid to.”
Carter discussed various aspects of the case, and shared many of the same sentiments he's carried over the past 27 months, in an interview with ABC News this week. One thing is certain, Carter believes that the girls' killer is watching their moves and he believes that person will slip up.
“I think the killer is following this investigation very closely," Carter said.
In a news briefing on April 22, Indiana State Police released new evidence in their investigation including a sketch of a man they say is now the main suspect in Libby and Abby's murders. The man in the first sketch, which was released in July 2017, is no longer considered a suspect.
"When we decided that, through the information we received, that we were going to release the second sketch I don’t believe the individual knew we were going to do that. So it was really, really important. I think he was probably there and/or watching, simply because he thought we were on the wrong path," Carter said.
At the same press conference, Indiana State Police also released a new short clip of the video recorded on Libby German's cell phone, and a tiny bit of new audio from the suspect. Carter believes it's important for people — possible witnesses — to see all of the evidence, not just pieces of it. He thinks somewhere in that video, audio and sketch someone will be able to piece together the killer's identity.
"The sketch isn’t a photograph. A sketch is a sketch and that’s really important for everybody to understand," Carter said. "I believe that the individual when we catch him, it will be a combination of those two.”
READ | ISP: Person in first Delph sketch is no longer person of interest in Libby and Abby's murders | Hundreds of tips come in the 24 hours after new sketch is released
Police also released a few new tidbits of information, including that their suspect — the man in the new sketch — is between 18 and 40 years old, but could appear much younger than he actually is.
They also say they believe the man is from Delphi, is familiar with Delphi or works in the city.
“I’ve walked across the high bridge myself. It’s 65-70 feet off the river deck. It hasn’t had a train on it since 1929," Carter said. "The ties are starting to rot. It sways back and forth and it’s not something you can just jump on and walk straight across if you’ve never done it before. I decided I was going to take the riverbank going back, I didn’t. That wasn’t the first time he’s been on that high bridge, my opinion, again that’s my opinion. I experienced it and I kept a piece of the high bridge and I’ll carry it with me til we find out who this is."
Since that press conference, Indiana state police have received more than 3,000 new tips.
DELPHI | Two years later, Libby & Abby's killer is still out there | Libby & Abby's families still believe 'Today is the Day' | Libby German's sister hopes Twitter can help find her killer
“This is very personal to me. And maybe it’s because I’m in the sunset of my career, but it’s the epitome of evil," Carter said. "Those two girls, once we tell you all we know about them you might understand a little bit more about why it’s so emotional, but I think of Abby and Libby all the time. I have their names etched in my desk. I think about them all the time, I think about their families and the community and what I saw in that community. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I’ve received full support from Gov. Holcomb and everybody across the street for us to do whatever we need to do.”
“I’m optimistic in humanity. I’m optimistic that the right thing happens over time and I don’t think this is any different," Carter said. "If you start losing sight of that then you allow this to just be okay and be normal and I don’t want to do that."
Indiana State Police ask anyone who has any information about Libby and Abby's murders or who recognizes the man in the image, video, audio or sketch to reach out.
Remember the following things when submitting a tip:
- Be specific as possible to a description
- Name and age if possible
- A connection to Delphi and that person’s location or address at this time
- Leaving information on how we can contact you for possible clarification of your tip is helpful but not required
Tips can remain anonymous.
The reward for information leading to the arrest of the Delphi killer is now at just over $250,000.
Tip Information Contacts
e-Mail: abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com
Tip Line: (844) 459-5786
Indiana State Police: (800) 382-7537
Carroll County Sheriff: (765) 564-2413
DELPHI | Complete coverage
