x
Breaking News
More () »

1989 Days Inn murders still haunt police, family

WTHR.com is the news leader for Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Get the best news, weather, sports and traffic information from Channel 13.
63225_G

Merrillville, Ind.  - Detectives hoping to solve two murders that occurred in northwestern Indiana 20 years ago say they'll need luck to finally close the cases.

Jeanne Marie Gilbert and Mary Margaret Gill were robbed and killed while working at separate Days Inn motels on March 3, 1989. Ballistics tests show the same gun was used in both killings.

Jasper County Sheriff Orville Perry says it's the only major crime his department hasn't solved.

Police have twice focused on a suspect, but DNA tests failed to match bodily fluids and tissue samples found at the crime scenes. Another potential suspect was ruled out when police learned he'd been in jail the day Gill and Gilbert died.

Merrillville Police Chief Joseph Petruch says he still considers the deaths an open case.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This story may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Before You Leave, Check This Out