Delphi Murders Update: Alleged Rapist Possibly Suspected In Liberty German, Abigail Williams Case

On Valentine's Day 2017, two teenage girls, Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, were found dead in a deserted area in Indiana. The day before, the pair had vanished from the Delphi Historic Trails. Their bodies were recovered approximately half a mile from the trail. Since then, police officers have been quietly working the case, dubbed the Delphi Murders, in order to draw an official conclusion, and it seems that they now have a suspect in mind.

According to Oxygen, Paul Etter of Indiana, 55, had initially been accused of kidnapping and raping a woman before killing himself on June 27. He fatally shot himself during a standoff with police who were waiting to charge him with the abduction and assault of a 26-year-old woman that he is said to have kept captive on his family's farm. Now it appears he is also a possible suspect in the murders of the teenage girls.

According to Journal & Courier, Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby revealed that the Indiana man's name had "come up through the process" of the investigation. Due to his name being brought up as a person of interest, Oxygen noted that law enforcement "has hinted that they are now eyeing Etter in connection with the girls' slayings."

However, Leazenby also noted that every potential suspect is followed up on and that looking into Etter is no different than following up on any other tip. Earlier this year, police released a new sketch and audio clip of the person they believe is responsible for the crimes, which led to thousands of tips.

Investigators continue to keep key aspects of the case from the public, such as how the girls were murdered and any additional content they have from either of the girls' cell phones. The reason for this, according to retired detective Paul Holes, is that officers always have to assess "what can be released to the public and what you have to hold back." It remains unclear at this time how police intend to move forward with the case.

Anyone was information regarding Libby or Abby is asked to call the Delphi Homicide Investigation Tip Line at 844-459-5786, the Indiana State Police at 800-382-7537, or the Carroll County Sheriff's Department at 765-564-2413. Additionally, tips can be emailed to abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com.