INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Indiana State Police released a sketch of a suspect Monday in the deaths of Abby Williams and Libby German.
The Delphi girls were kidnapped and killed near a trail in Delphi in February. Until now, investigators had only released a photo and a voice recording of the suspect.
The person depicted in the composite sketch is described as a white male between 5’6” to 5’10”, weighing 180 to 220 pounds, with reddish brown hair, eye color unknown. This sketch depicts a hat that may not be accurate. Detectives ask that you focus on the person’s facial features.
The sketch was put together based on information investigators have collected so far from numerous witnesses they've spoken with.
Libby German's grandfather, Mike Patty, tells Eyewitness News he believes the sketch is helping make the killer's world smaller and he is going to be caught.
- TIMELINE: The Delphi murder investigation
The new sketch popped up on cell phones across Delphi Monday morning. Everyone, including Patty, wishing they would recognize the man.
"I looked at it very intently, trying to figure out if I know this person," Patty said.
The composite is, by far, the best image and description of the suspected killer.
"I'm thinking somebody out there should definitely know now. Very clear, very detailed picture and I am hoping whoever knows that person will make that call quickly," Patty said.
It's been five months since the girls' murder rocked the small Carroll County community. Until now, an out-of-focus picture taken by one of the girls just before they were abducted was the best publicized clue detectives had. Investigators used the photo and a description of what they say is the same man seen by a person in the area the day of the killings.
"We feel this is very important, because this gives us a better view," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Kim Riley.
State police believe the sketch could give investigators a much-needed break in the case.
"We are really excited about the information out there. Detectives and all investigators are waiting for the phone to ring," Riley said.
The new development in the investigation, Patty says, sends a message to him and the community.
"It tells me they are still working on this thing 24/7. There has been a lot of talk about this case being a cold case. Even as police have stated, that is far from the truth," Patty said.
The grandfather is confident the girls' killer will be found.
"Every morning, I wake up and walk down the hallway...we have a picture of Libby right there in the hallway. Every morning, I say good morning to her," he said. "I miss her dearly."
If you recognize the man in the photo or the sketch, call (844) 459-5786 or email abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward in excess of $230,000 if your information leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these murders.
The community has come together in the wake of a tragedy with various memorials, fundraisers and events being hosted in their honor.
This past Friday, teams gathered to play in a softball tournament to raise money for a scholarship fund for the softball league Abby and Libby played in. On Saturday, a concert was held in Kokomo to raise money for building a Delphi park in the girls' memory.
