Parents terrified as Snapchat child murder suspect seen in chilling railway video filmed by victims, 13 and 14, remains at large
Residents of the tiny rural town of Delphi, Indiana, USA, say they will not feel safe until police find the killer
A RURAL community where two young girls were found murdered remains gripped by fear and paranoia killer continues to evade capture.
Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, and Liberty “Libby” German, 14, were found dead after going missing on February 13 while hiking in the woods in Delphi, Indiana.
But despite managing to send images and a voice recording of the suspected killer to Snapchat before they were murdered, cops have yet to catch anyone.
And the tight-knit rural community with a population of roughly just 3,000 is now in the grip of panic, with families forced to explain to their kids that a real life Bogeyman is on the loose, reports.
Speculation is running rife among locals and on social media about the possibility the girls were “catfished” by somebody posing as a teenager online or whether they were the random victims of a violent stranger.
Many fear as long as the perpetrator remains at large, he could strike again without warning.
Asked by the if she felt safe, Delphi local Jennifer Robinson said: “Not particularly, to be honest with you, and I’ve got three kids.
“To me it’s kind of a big deal.”
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Fellow resident Dennis Walker added: “There’s a lot of blowing up going on at Facebook – a lot of angry people.
“A lot of other people saying we got to pray for the family, do what we can.
“A lot of people go out there for a little hiking, a nice day in the woods, get a little exercise.
“This shouldn’t happen to you when you go out there.”
Julia Leahy told the Journal-Courier, it’s going to “take this community a long time” to get over this.
Melissa Schwartz told WRTV: “I think it’s very scary. I was raised in Delphi, grew up in Delphi and we’ve never had anything like this happen in Delphi, so it’s very concerning.”
While police have not called it a homicide investigation, some in the community have jumped to conclusions.
Kevin Kologinski told WRTV: “I would always be concerned about that until they find whatever murderous beast did this. I would watch my kids very carefully.
“Mine are all grown up, my grandchildren are too young to be off on their own, but for any other kids that are out I’d keep a very close eye.”
Abby and Libby were reported missing last month after they were dropped off to go hiking and didn’t return.
Their bodies were found the following day in a wooded area near the Delphi Historic Trail.
The case has been dubbed “The Snapchat Murders” because of two haunting photographs posted to the social media platform by Libby before the friends were murdered.
The 14-year-old later captured footage of the suspected killer, who is seen walking briskly along the rickety rail bridge with his head bent and partially covered by a hoodie.
Police believe Libby starting filming after becoming concerned the man was following them and some have speculated he is the dark shape seen in the distance of her final Snapchat of Abby.
Officers also released looped audio of what is believed to be the killer saying “down the hill”, in a gruff, authoritative tone in the hope that someone will recognise the distinctive voice.
Indiana State Police have not ruled out the possibility of more than one suspect and said it was unclear whether the voice in the audio clip belongs to the man in the photograph or another.
Emotional Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter told reporters at a recent press conference: “Someone knows who this individual is. And if you’re watching, we’ll find you.”
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