Teen Catches Murderer On Film Before She’s Killed
A teen girl was hailed as a hero posthumously after she caught video of her murderer before she was killed.
The bodies of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams were found on February 14, less than a mile from where they were dropped off to go hiking the same day. The deaths were initially thought to not involve any foul play, though police later classified them as homicides.
German, it was soon discovered, not only took a photo of the male suspect but also took an audio recording of what police believe to be his voice.
The video was reportedly taken just moments before her death, leading authorities to conclude that German knew something was about to happen when she hit record.
“This young lady’s a hero, there’s no doubt about it,” Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Tony Slocum told People Magazine of the girl’s actions. “To activate the video system on her cell phone to record criminal behavior that’s about to occur … there’s no doubt in our minds that [this] young lady is a hero.”
The six-second audio clip features the man saying, “down the hill.”
“It’s important that we spread that person’s voice far and wide for somebody [to] recognize who it is and call us and tell us,” Captain David Bursten said.
The FBI issued a press release following the murders, asking the public for help identifying the suspect.
Members of our community may have information to assist in this investigation. We are making a direct appeal to members of this community who may have information but are unaware or unsure of its significance or assume law enforcement may already have the information.
Often someone in the community will unknowingly be associated with the individual or individuals who committed the crime and may be in a position to observe behavioral changes in that person. They will recognize the changes, and may even question the person about it, but may not connect the changes to that person’s involvement in the crime.
On Monday, February 13, the individual or individuals responsible for these crimes may have been absent from work, missed or cancelled appointments or social engagements, or been unavailable or unresponsive during the afternoon period. They may have been a “no-show” or offered a plausible excuse for their absence or tardiness such as, illness, death in the family, car trouble, etc.
Since that time, the individual or individuals may have exhibited some of the following:
- A change in the daily routine(s), such as their sleep patterns or use of alcohol or drugs
- A change in their physical appearance (e.g., growth or removal of facial hair, change in length or color of hair
- Cleaned or disposed of clothing and/or shoes worn on Monday afternoon
- A change in normal routine which might include missing work or other engagements
- Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
- Paid attention to the investigation, media coverage, or had discussions pertaining to the deaths
It is important to know that the exhibition of one or more of these behavioral changes alone are not indicative of one’s involvement in a crime. These behavioral characteristics or changes are being shared so that the public may be sensitive to them and may bring forth possible helpful information.
Police warned during a televised press conference that they would catch the killer.
“If you’re watching, we’ll find you,” Superintendent Douglas Carter said. “Who’s next? I hate to ask you that question. I’d give my life to not have to, but I know you’ve asked that yourself that very question.”