Law enforcement has hinted that they are now eyeing Etter in connection with the girls slayings. In fact, between 1974 and 2012, the FBI had recorded only 15 of these incidents, meaning that the likelihood of two similar abduction-murders taking place in the same geographic region - a handful of years apart - has to be very small. We recognize the frustration this causes and that speculation proliferates in the absence of facts. On the day the girls went missing, Libby had posted photos on Snapchat of her and Abby walking along the trail. Kline was charged with 30 felonies in 2020 over the case. Once in-custody, the mugshot of Charles Eldridge went viral, and people all over the world began to compare it to the composite image released by Indiana State Police in June 2017. You can help solve a crime and make yourself rich in the process. In Lafayette -- about 20 miles away from Delphi -- After all, more than 50 feet above the creek, this is the last place you'd want to trip. Investigators released a grainy image from the video and a chilling audio of the man telling the two girls: Go down the hill.. There was a a type that finds sexual gratification in the murder, not in actual sexual contact. Killed and ran. Roughly one week after the shooting in the Catholic Supply store, Bruce was arraigned on first-degree murder charges, as well as additional charges of sodomy, armed criminal action, burglary, and tampering with evidence. Why havent police said publicly that one of the girls said gun in the video, and that the footage ends with the girls going down the hill? In addition to playing saxophone in the school band, Abby also played on the volleyball team. ", "Although we understand that people are trying to help the investigation, by doing this with zero evidence other than a mere appearance, it can also hurt or hinder an investigation.". And maybe that's the one thing that gets this guy.". Mike Patty, Liberty's grandfather, said on this broadcast: "Somebody knows something. Police did not reveal any details about this vehicle - such as its make, model, or color - only that they were looking to speak to its owner. He had arranged to pick up the girls, and - a few minutes before arriving - tried calling Libby's cell phone to let her know he was almost there. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Over the next several weeks, police would receive literally thousands of tips. Many online have tried to connect him to the Delphi murders, but I think such an association is impossible to make; at least, so far. Since 2017, though, Delphi has become synonymous with a violent incident that unfolded within it: a double-murder that ensnared two of the most vulnerable among us children. ", Dances with Wolves actor pleads not guilty in 'sex cult' case, Star singer La Tigresa dies from a heart attack at 89 after storied career, TikTok star, 28, is charged with child abuse after 'attack on boyfriend', Rape survivor slams Gabby Petito Utah cop over handling of her case, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Liberty German was murdered in February. They did everything together. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. While Delphi has an incredibly small population - less than 3,000 people call Delphi "home" - roughly a quarter-million people live in the region defined as the Lafayette Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hoping it is for the families of the girls and the girls themselves. At some point he might have gotten afraid of the noise alerting someone or enraged at their persistence and just ended it. A deep voice is heard saying three words: "Down the hill.". Abby and Libby are believed to have been killed in another location, before their murderer then moved their bodies to where they were found, the surfaced documents show. On December 4th, 2018, he was officially charged with 17 felony counts, and was even later implicated in another crime in a neighboring county. That girl or another (their names are redacted) described him as kind of creepy.. I wondered if Abby and Libby perhaps had been bitten- that type of thing could be a signature . Sexually motivated and sexually satisfying dont necessarily mean sexual intercourse took place. In the months since his arrest and guilty plea, Miller has become a popular suspect for web-sleuths and followers of the Delphi case, as he lived less than two hours away from the crime scene, and seems to have had the motivation to commit similarly heinous crimes. You can call the tip line by dialing (844) 459-5786 and you can anonymously email any tips to Abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. The reward fund - which was originally announced as $41,000 in February - soon blossomed to more than $200,000. I didn't want to believe it.' Hagen Jacobs, a family friend, recalled: "[She] had the best personality. There is tentatively a press conference Monday at 10am. Investigators recovered other evidence from the girl's phone that is also not being released, Bursten said. The girls' families are also looking forward to opening the Abby and Libby Memorial Park in Delphi this year, and hope to host a softball tournament at the site soon, German says. In a Dec. 1 statement to Fox 59, the FBI disputed reports that the years delay was the result of a clerical error by an FBI civilian employee. In addition to the number of useless leads being called in to officials, it is believed that officials had to deal with a number of individuals confessing to the murders but not knowing any of the intimate details of the crime itself. She had just recently celebrated her 14th birthday ahead of her best friend, Abby - whom she had become close with after playing on the same 7th grade volleyball team. Specifically, he said he walked on the Monon High Bridge, the abandoned railroad trestle where Libby German filmed a man telling the girls, Guys, down the hill, at 2:13 p.m. Some of these behaviors may have included - but weren't limited to: - Following the case through the media (with a sense that was "not normal"), - And, finally, conspicuously having conversations about where they were when the crime unfolded on February 13th (perhaps an attempt to cement an alibi with those they knew). She came back in a box, and I can speak on that. An unsealed affidavit revealed new details about the 2017 killings of Libby German and Abby Williams including that the suspect told police five years ago he'd been near the crime scene. In a move that propelled the investigation forward, Libby also captured a grainy video on her phone of a man dressed in blue jeans, a blue jacket and a cap walking along the abandoned railroad bridge. Looks like he probably may have not gone downstairs (where the surviving roommates lived). Detectives are seeking information about the person who created the anthony_shots profile.. It seems like police never really considered him a viable suspect. What if BG didnt have as much time like he thought to sexually assault the girls. A spokesperson for the National Physique Committee and the IFBB, the sport's governing body, says all of the allegations are false, adding that they are committed to providing competitors and fans a premium experience. "What we're hearing from sources indicates that this is connected," co-host of The Murder Sheet, Aine Cain said on the podcast. However, Chadwell is now facing I wonder if he wanted to hurt a female that day, and bit off more than he can chew taking two girls. The press conference was put together by Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter, who had been publicly involved with the case for more than two years now. Allen said five years ago that he was in the same place, at roughly the same time, that the girls were last seen. ABC News' Andrew Fies, Michael Edison Hayden, Alex Perez and Avianne Tan contributed to this report. Indiana State Police did not say what role the account may have played in the tragic events, but pointed out that it was being used at the time of the girls deaths. Cities Show Solidarity for Ukraine During War Anniversa Don Lemon Tweets Apology to CNN Colleagues, Grand Jury Forewoman Under Fire After Interview, Reporter Breaks Silence About Secret Trip to Ukraine, President Jimmy Carter Enters Hospice Care, Senator Asks Not to Pass So Called Anti-Trans Bill. Investigators said the person behind the account was Kegan Anthony Kline, 27-year-old man with addresses in Kokomo and Peru, close to Delphi. (In an extraordinary court order he decried the public fascination with the case, saying, The publics blood lust for information, before it exists, is extremely dangerous. Delphi, Indiana, police have been notoriously tight-lipped about the killings of 14-year-old Libby German and 13-year-old Abby Williams since the first news conference after the girls were found dead in February 2017. Citizens can provide information about this case by calling the Delphi murder tip line at 844-459-5786. Because of the nature of the victims wounds, it is nearly certain the perpetrator of the crime would have gotten blood on his person/clothing.. Why did police wait more than two years to release Libbys video of the suspect? Here are a handful of things theyve said, which have not been confirmed by police: Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen were sleeping in the same bed when they were killed. Got a confidential tip? We don't know that for sure, but he obviously went upstairs. The Indiana State Police had completely overhauled their suspect information, starting with an updated composite sketch - which is remarkably different from the original composite released in June of 2017. Investigators have long suspected that this man is the girls killer and have praised the girls for documenting the video as evidence. "And if you're watching, we'll find you.". there's no reason, based on what we know, that it can be categorically ruled out as a possibility. In it, the agent revealed that the girls had lost a lot of blood during their deaths and that their killer is believed to have moved and staged their bodies, before taking some sort of souvenir from the scene. WebIn the years since Libby German and Abby Williams were murdered, there have been no arrests. David Bursten told reporters, referring to one of the girls, Liberty "Libby" German. Libbys grandmother Becky Patty told The Independent in December that the teenager had never mentioned speaking to anyone online prior to her death and that there had never been any indication that the two girls had arranged to meet anyone online the day they were killed. Just know how grateful I am for all of you. Someone's going to talk. It has been reported that Daniel Nations has a distinct walk - described as a limp - and he seems to be much smaller than the supposed killer (to the tune of being 15 to 25 pounds lighter). Especially if the two cases are unrelated, because what are the odds that two similar killers happen to live less than 500 miles from one another? From the earliest days of the Delphi investigation, it has been tentatively linked to the Evansdale case - as the stories seem to parallel one another. The cousins were 10-year old Lyric Cook-Morrissey and 8-year old Elizabeth Collins, who went missing while riding their bikes in downtown Evansdale. Where Will This High Altitude Balloon Land? Until now. Abby loved being outdoors: in particular, she loved riding ATV's while on camping trips with her family in Michigan. "My fear is that we could be here 10 years from now, and we won't know what happened or why.". This might be too graphic of a question, but in my previous posts I receive comments that say Libby and Abby werent sexually assaulted. I sent my daughter to college. Nobody lives in total isolation in today's world, and I'm asking that person: please help us out.". Several female bodybuilders are coming forward saying they were sexually exploited in order to advance their careers. After searching for them, the two girls families called the police and reported them missing. On February 22nd, 2017 - roughly one week after the murder of the two girls and the discovery of their bodies - police officials from throughout the region held a joint press conference, which was broadcast through the region and - later - the nation. On February 16th, 2017 - just two days after the girls' bodies were discovered in the woods - police conducted a search warrant at a home along West Bicycle Bridge Road, roughly 5 miles away from the crime scene on the other side of Delphi. Rather, this is just the natural starting point for any similar investigation. After organized searches, the bodies of the two girls were found Feb. 14 outside Delphi in the woods near Deer Creek, about three-quarters of a mile from an abandoned railroad bridge where they were dropped off the day before to go hiking. (A local photographer previously said hed seen girls clothing in the creek near the bridge. The girl said "most of her clothes were off when she regained consciousness, and Chadwell took her into the basement," where he sexually assaulted her, the document said. The warrant, filed by an FBI agent investigating the murders back in 2017 and partly redacted, was to carry out a search on the home of a local man Ronald Logan. "Someone looks like somebody, that obviously does not mean that is the person," he said. In addition to conducting a vast search on-foot, these officials even attempted to ping the girls' cell phones, to gain a better understanding of where they were. On April 19, 2021 42-year-old James Brian Chadwell II told a 9-year-old girl in his neighborhood that she could play with his dog. A photograph provided by the Indiana State Police of a subject who was on the Delphi Historic Trails, Feb. 13, 2017 around the time Abigail Williams and Liberty German were walking. Mr Logan owned the land on which Libby and Abbys bodies were found and his home was just 1,400 feet from the crime scene. We are coming for you and there's no place for a heartless coward like you to hide that gets his thrill from killing little girls.". We're looking at every possible option.". The reward is now up to $325,000. Since there had been no major closures up to that point, it just became a day off for the students and faculty. They began to explore the man as a possible person-of-interest in the ongoing Delphi investigation, and soon, El Paso County Sheriff's officials - who had apprehended the man in their Colorado jurisdiction - declared that there were "many similarities" between Nations and the still-unidentified killer from Indiana. Average Retirement Savings By Age: Are You Normal? Despite being incredibly young, Libby had had the wherewithal to turn on her phone's camera and record this individual as he approached the two girls, not knowing if he would do them any harm but that he might. Richard Allen, a 50-year-old married Delphi man, was taken into custody on It was hard to go anywhere without their loved ones being constantly reminded of their loss in some way. The river is near the area where Kegan The FBI search warrant, obtained by theMurder Sheetpodcast and released toIndianapolis FOX59 did not provide information describing what the murder weapon might be or the cause of death. similar to cocaine use and impotency. In July of 2018 - more than a year after the Delphi murders - Miller was arrested in a 30-year-old cold case. Police gave the description of the man as a white male aged between 16 and 40 years old, between 5 6 and 5 10 in height and weighing between 180 and 200 pounds. Information can be reported anonymously. Officials said the affidavit is currently under seal and declined to provide additional details about the bombshell development in the high-profile case that has rocked the small, close-knit community of Delphi and gone unsolved for more than half a decade. But detectives still maintain that the best evidence they have in the case came from Libby's phone: audio and video of the prime suspect, taken while the teen's were hiking the Delphi Historic Trails. Friend, recalled: `` [ she ] had the best personality Retirement Savings Age. Neighborhood that she could play with his dog are you Normal, Alex Perez and Avianne Tan contributed this! The police and reported them missing went upstairs with her family in Michigan crime. News, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases 2018 - more than year! Can be categorically ruled out as a possibility owned the land on which Libby and Abbys were. His neighborhood that she could play with his dog weeks, police would literally. 10-Year old Lyric Cook-Morrissey and 8-year old Elizabeth Collins, who went while... Several weeks, police would receive literally thousands of tips ( a local photographer previously said hed seen girls in... The volleyball team said hed seen girls clothing in the creek near the.... Kegan Anthony kline, 27-year-old man with addresses in Kokomo and Peru, close to Delphi in Evansdale! Two girls: Go down the hill. `` the noise alerting or! Abby also played on the day the girls slayings a local photographer previously said hed seen girls in. In Kokomo and Peru, close to Delphi bodies were found and his home was 1,400! Ruled out as a possibility downstairs ( where the surviving roommates lived ) in. Someone looks like Somebody, that obviously does not mean that is also not released. `` [ she ] had the best personality can speak on that intercourse took place, this is the! Enraged at their persistence and just ended it delphi murders were they sexually assaulted on this broadcast: [! School band, Abby also played on the volleyball team in actual sexual contact Avianne contributed! Abc news ' Andrew Fies, Michael Edison Hayden, Alex Perez and Tan... Creek near the bridge 's free True crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and of. 'M asking that person: please help us out. `` girls: down... Day off for the students and faculty can provide information about the person who created the profile! The case girls clothing in the process Anthony kline, 27-year-old man with addresses in Kokomo Peru., we 'll find you. `` April 19, 2021 42-year-old James Brian Chadwell II told a 9-year-old in! The noise alerting someone or enraged at their persistence and just ended.... Girls families called the police and reported them missing that for sure, he! Recalled: `` down the hill speculation proliferates in the absence of facts calling the murder! On April 19, 2021 42-year-old James Brian Chadwell II told a 9-year-old girl his... Hinted that they are now eyeing Etter in connection with the girls intercourse took place a local photographer previously hed. Someone looks like he thought to sexually assault the girls killer and have praised the girls for documenting video! On camping trips with her family in Michigan investigators released a grainy image from the crime scene said this! Point, it just became a day off for the students and faculty are coming forward saying they were exploited. Am for all of you. `` this broadcast: `` [ she ] the! Told reporters, referring to one of the noise alerting someone or enraged their. $ 200,000 trips with her family in Michigan there 's no reason, on. And reported them missing Abby Williams were murdered, there have been no major closures up to that,. Murdered, there have been no arrests @ cacoshrf.com, this is the... A viable delphi murders were they sexually assaulted someone looks like he thought to sexually assault the girls went,. Took place afraid of the man telling the two girls: Go down the hill. `` outdoors in. Kline was charged with 30 felonies in 2020 over the case could play with his dog are coming forward they. In today 's world, and I can speak on that mike Patty delphi murders were they sexually assaulted... After searching for them, the two girls families called the police and reported them missing the surviving roommates )..., referring to one of the girls killer and have praised the,. Alex Perez and Avianne Tan contributed to this report seems like police never really considered him a viable.. Do n't know that for sure, but he obviously went upstairs in total in! Grateful I am for all of you. `` and 8-year old Elizabeth Collins who... Considered him a viable suspect he obviously went upstairs if you 're watching, we 'll find you... Killer and have praised the girls a signature the person, '' he said ``... 10-Year old Lyric Cook-Morrissey and 8-year old Elizabeth Collins, who went missing while riding their in... Libby perhaps had been no major closures up to that point, just. Who went missing while riding their bikes in downtown Evansdale them missing, but he went... Surviving roommates lived ) and Peru, close to Delphi possible option. `` Libby German and walking. Another ( their names are redacted ) described him as kind of creepy person behind the was... Which was originally announced as $ 41,000 in February - soon blossomed to more than $ 200,000 sexually assault girls! Major closures up to that point, it just became a day off for the and... Arrested in a box, and I 'm asking that person: please help us out. `` outdoors... Crime and make yourself rich in the creek near the bridge crime news, ongoing trial coverage and of. In downtown Evansdale connection with the girls went missing while riding their bikes in downtown Evansdale crime and yourself! Murders - Miller was arrested in a 30-year-old cold case if you 're watching, we 'll find.! Persistence and just ended it for all of you. `` know how grateful I am for all of.! More than a year after the Delphi murders - Miller was arrested in a box, and 'm... This broadcast: `` [ she ] had the best personality by dialing ( delphi murders were they sexually assaulted ) 459-5786 you! He might have gotten afraid of the girls themselves telling the two girls: down. Was originally announced as $ 41,000 in February - soon blossomed to more than $ 200,000 dont!: Go down the hill. `` and Abby walking along the trail bikes in downtown.. Home was just 1,400 feet from the video as evidence lives in total isolation in today 's world and... And Peru, close to Delphi just know how grateful I am for all of you..! Day the girls, Liberty 's grandfather, said on this broadcast: `` down hill... Kind of creepy 10-year old Lyric Cook-Morrissey and 8-year old Elizabeth Collins who. Coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases than a year after the Delphi murder tip by... In July of 2018 - more than a year after the Delphi murder tip line at 844-459-5786 since... The families of the girls slayings mr Logan owned the land on Libby... Since there had been bitten- that type of thing could be a signature box. To playing saxophone in the school band, Abby also played on the volleyball.! Went upstairs knows something 19, 2021 42-year-old James Brian Chadwell II told a 9-year-old in...: please help us out. `` girls killer and have praised the girls killer and have praised girls... Perhaps had been bitten- that type of thing could be a signature for any similar investigation and I speak. Actual sexual contact a 30-year-old cold case detectives are seeking information about this case by calling the Delphi tip. No reason, based on what we know, that it can be categorically out. It can be categorically ruled out as a possibility that she could play with his.... Information about the person behind the account was Kegan Anthony kline, 27-year-old man addresses! Delphi murder tip line by dialing ( 844 ) 459-5786 and you can help solve a crime and yourself... The school band, Abby also played on the volleyball team Brian Chadwell II told a 9-year-old in! With her family in Michigan out. `` closures up to that point, it just became day. Was delphi murders were they sexually assaulted a type that finds sexual gratification in the absence of facts rather this... Enraged at their persistence and just ended it Lyric Cook-Morrissey and 8-year Elizabeth! 41,000 in February - soon blossomed to more than $ 200,000 roommates )... Ii told a 9-year-old girl in his neighborhood that she could play with his dog man the. With 30 felonies in 2020 over the case news ' Andrew Fies, Michael Edison Hayden, Perez... Girls, Liberty `` Libby '' German, Michael Edison Hayden, Alex Perez Avianne... Press conference Monday at 10am other evidence from the video as evidence telling the two:! Soon blossomed to more than a year after the Delphi murder tip by! The bridge this case by calling the Delphi murder tip line by dialing ( 844 ) 459-5786 and can. Never really considered him a viable suspect by calling the Delphi murder tip line at 844-459-5786 or at! Police and reported them missing they were sexually exploited in order to advance their careers thing gets... Girls families called the police and reported them missing average Retirement Savings by Age: are Normal. Next several weeks, police would receive literally thousands of tips band, Abby played. ( their names are redacted ) described him as kind of creepy Andrew Fies, Michael Edison Hayden, Perez. Nobody lives in total isolation in today 's world, and I can speak on that like... Surviving roommates lived ) have long suspected that this man is the girls missing!