DELPHI, Ind. (WTHR) - Investigators revealed Wednesday morning a second key piece of evidence was found on the smart phone of one of the Delphi teens found murdered last week.
They released an audio recording of a man who can be heard saying three words: "down the hill". Investigators could not confirm if the suspect heard on that recording is the same person in the suspect photo they've been circulating.
State Police called Liberty "Libby" German "a hero" for thinking to record the suspect while the crime was happening.
"This lady is a hero. There is no doubt. To have the presence of mind to activate the video on her cell phone," ISP Sgt. Tony Slocum said.
Police hope someone will recognize the man's voice as that of a relative or friend.
"An associate, or maybe that guy that lives over in that place that's kinda not right," said ISP Superintendent Doug Carter.
German and Abigail "Abby" Williams disappeared sometime after they went hiking near an abandoned railroad bridge known as the Monon High Bridge just outside of Delphi with their parents permission around 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13. Their bodies were found Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The photo investigators have been circulating of a suspect on the Monon High Bridge was also found on Libby's phone. Police used a Wednesday press conference to dispel rumors that the photo had been taken from a trail camera.
"As poor as this picture is, somebody knows [who that suspect is]," State Police Supt. Doug Carter said Wednesday. "If you're watching, we'll find you."
Police are asking people to look past the fuzzy face of the murder suspect in the photo and focus on something perhaps familiar about his jacket, the way his shirt hangs out and his right hand is stuck into his jeans.
Someone connected to the killings, investigators say, would likely exhibit drastic changes in appearance or behavior.
"Did they shave their beard? Cut their hair?" said FBI Special Agent Greg Massa. "Have they been anxious, nervous, irritable? Have they followed this case the media is putting out with a sense that is not normal?"
Investigators said there's still no indication if this suspect is local or from outside the area. To that end, the FBI will be using digital billboards to get the word out nationally.
Dozens of FBI agents, state and local police have worked non-stop to solve the case since the girls were found murdered eight days ago. To strengthen repeated and passionate pleas for help, they are offering a reward of up to $41,000 for the tip that leads them to the girls' killers.
"We must keep our resolve for Libby and Abby...for this community and, frankly, to ensure good trumps evil and it will," Carter said.
Detectives created a new email address for tipsters to send in information anonymously: abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. You can also still call (844) 459-5786.
