DELPHI, Ind. (WTHR) - State Police released audio from Libby German's cell phone Wednesday morning.
You can hear the suspect saying "Down the hill". Investigators said they could not confirm if the voice heard in the recording is that of the suspect in the photo they've been circulating, or if it's a sign there was a second suspect.
State Police called Libby a hero for having the "presence of mind" to record the suspect while the crime was happening.
State Police say they have $41,000 in reward money available for information in this case, thanks to donations from both law enforcement and the community.
"Please do not rationalize tips away," State Police Supt. Doug Carter said at the press conference Wednesday.
"As poor as this picture is, somebody knows," he continued. "If you're watching, we'll find you."
State Police also clarified that the picture they've been showing of the suspect came from Libby's phone - not a trail camera, as rumors have claimed.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Massa said on any given day, they have 20 agents on the ground helping in this investigation.
"Go back to Feb. 13. Did you encounter someone that didn't make sense?" he told the public, hoping people will begin thinking outside the box to help in the investigation.
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.
Detectives created a new email address for tipsters to send in information anonymously: abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com.
You can also still call (844) 459-5786. The Delphi Murder Tipline has 10 phone lines fully staffed by dispatchers from Carroll County and surrounding areas. Dispatchers are specially trained to listen for critical information and ask the right questions.
"We are going to keep working the tip lines," State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum said Tuesday. "We are going to keep knocking on doors and following up every lead we can get and hopefully get the murderer of Libby German and Abby Williams into custody."
Liberty "Libby" 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.
In the seven days since searchers found the teenagers murdered in a secluded wooded area along Deer Creek outside of town, police say they've interviewed scores of people and eliminated dozens of potential suspects.
"We have tips coming in hourly if not by the minute," said Sgt. Slocum. "We are able to send out teams of investigators to follow up on those leads."
The grainy photo police released was taken on the popular Monon High Bridge. Police say the picture has already been enhanced, and their description is no better than a white male in a blue jacket and blue jeans.
"We can't provide height or weight," Slocum said. "The picture speaks for itself."
Evidently not enough to satisfy some people. Without asking police, a sketch artist who says he’s from Arizona created sketches of what the man might look like then put them on social media. They've been shared almost 6,000.
Detectives believe that could hurt their investigation because they were not authorized or endorsed by law enforcement.
"So we ask for people not to do those sort of things," Slocum said. "They are conducting their own investigation which will confuse the public more so than helping our investigation."
If you would like to donate to the reward fund, mail your donation to:
Indiana State Police Alliance
1415 Shelby Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Checks should be made payable to the Indiana State Police Alliance Foundation. "Delphi Reward" should be entered on the memo line.
