(Indiana State Police)
Police in Indiana have released chilling audio of the suspect in the killings of two teen girls recorded by one of the victims before she died.
Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, were found dead on February 14, one day after they disappeared while hiking on trails near an abandoned railroad bridge close to their hometown of Delphi, Indiana State Police say. State and local police, along with the FBI, have been hunting for a suspect in the week since, and released audio recorded on Liberty’s phone in hopes of identifying the man they believe killed the girls.
The man can be heard in the brief audio clip saying what police believe to be “down the hill.” You can listen to the audio released by police, a six-second loop of that phrase, below:
Liberty had the presence of mind to turn on her cell phone before she was killed, according to police.
“This young lady is a hero,” Indiana State Police Sergeant Tony Slocum said at a press conference. “We are actively looking for this person. This person is our suspect.”
Investigators have recovered other video from the phone, but said they are not ready to release it. Police previously released a photo of the suspect, also captured by Liberty on her phone. You can see the photo at the top of the page and below:
(Indiana State Police)
Police first said they just wanted to identify and talk to the man, but later said he is the main suspect in the killings.
“The photo appears to depict a white male wearing blue jeans, a blue coat/jacket, and a hoodie. During the course of the investigation, preliminary evidence has led investigators to believe the person, in the distributed photo, is suspected of having participated in the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German,” police said. “Citizens can provide information about this case by calling the Delphi Murder Tip Line at 844-459-5786. Information can be reported anonymously.”
Investigators have not yet said how Libby German and Abby Williams were killed. Their bodies were found along a creek not far from the bridge.
Abigail “Abby” Williams, left, and Liberty “Libby” German. (Facebook)
The girls, from Delphi, in Carroll County, were reported missing by their family on February 13. Hundreds of people, including police, firefighters, family, friends and residents of the surrounding community, searched for the girls into the night Monday and again Tuesday morning. The bodies were found about 12:15 p.m. a day later.
They were dropped off by family members at trails near the “Monon High Bridge” just east of their hometown of Delphi about 1 p.m. on February 13, WTTV-TV reports.
The girls were supposed to be picked up by family later that afternoon, but did not show up, police said. They were reported missing about 5:30 p.m.
The girls posted an eerie final photo on Snapchat before they disappeared, according to WRTV.
Abigail Williams is seen in the final Snapchat photo posted by Liberty German. (Facebook)
A massive search of the area began, led by local and state police. A drone was used during the search and family members and friends of the girls assisted. A K-9 and dive team were also brought in to help find the girls.
On February 14, police announced they found two bodies in Delphi, along Deer Creek, about a half mile from the railroad bridge where the girls had last been seen.
Police said they have set up a reward of $41,000 for information leading to the suspect or suspects in the case. Tips can be made by calling 844-459-5786.
“The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) has established an account for individuals or businesses wishing to donate to the Delphi Reward Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Indiana State Police Alliance Foundation,” police said. “‘Delphi Reward’ should be entered on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to the Indiana State Police Alliance at 1415 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46203.”
