INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - You’ve heard the expression “money talks.” Two big names in Indianapolis sports put up big money, hoping someone talks and tells police who murdered Libby German and Abby Williams.
A donation of $97,000 from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and retired Colts punter Pat McAfee pushed the reward to over $200,000.
In addition to all that money, people in Delphi are giving of themselves, giving a hand to detectives looking for a break in this case.
“I’m here to help any way I can,” announced Kathy Shank at the police task force headquarters. She returned home from a vacation Tuesday night and signed up Wednesday morning to run the headquarters reception desk.
“I know the family of Liberty, I feel like I need to be here,” she said.
Sisters Tonya and Constance were here too, up much of the night, making lunch for investigators. They brought platters of food, including home-baked cookies.
“Thank you so much," Tonya Lake said. “We want them to know we are praying for them.”
More than 100 investigators from 25 law enforcement agencies are working day and night to identify a man in a fuzzy photo taken from Libby German’s cell phone. They suspect he killed Libby and her friend Abby Williams.
Pat McAfee appeared in an online video with Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter to announce the donation to the reward fund. The additional money will likely add to the 11,000 police have already received.
IN State Police Superintendent told me "We need the pic/audio file 2 be seen, some1 knows something".. So..Internet, $200,000 reward #LetsGo pic.twitter.com/vsTOP4WLQM
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 1, 2017
Later, McAfee spoke with Eyewitness News Sports Director Dave Calabro.
“The $200,000 reward now, I think it is over $200,000, will hopefully entice some people to do the right thing because somebody knows, they (police) just need to find out who the monster is,” McAfee said.
Detectives grateful for the reward and attention the crime is getting also fear the rumors it’s creating. When police questioned a man Tuesday, acquaintances took to social media, claiming that he was arrested and accused of killing the two girls.
ISP Sgt. Tony Slocum is aware of other instances where people posted pictures and names of men they think look like the suspect. “That is a dangerous game to play,” Slocum said. “So far it hasn’t impeded out investigation, but common sense would dictate, why would you want to talk to us if you are going to be vilified.”
Volunteers put up posters, photos and personal messages throughout the headquarters, trying to lift the spirits of investigators.
The girls’ families visited Wednesday. Abby’s grandparents left a note.
“Where are the police when you need them? They are here, in Delphi. With us,” they wrote. “We pray for your protection. We are forever grateful for you service.”
The attention and appreciation of Delphi residents and the victim’s families is aimed at providing hope and encouragement to police as their homicide investigation enters its third week.
If you have any information on this case, call the Delphi tipline at (844) 459-5786 or email abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com.
