Mysterious murder of Indiana teens vexes investigators; family desperate for answers

A raid on a home near the murder scene did not yield any clues

Police are still looking for answers in the apparent murder two young teenage girls in the rural city of Delphi, Indiana, where their bodies were found on Tuesday.

Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, had gone on a hike at a nature trail in Delphi, which is about 70 miles northwest of Indianapolis. When they didn’t return home as expected, their parents reported them missing.  According to CNN, volunteer searchers found the bodies along a railroad bridge near Deer Creek.

On Thursday, police searched a nearby home in connection to the homicide investigation, but investigators told ABC News the search did not yield anything of value.

The residents of the close-knit city are reportedly shocked that such a violent crime could take place in the popular nature reserve.

Shane Evans, the mayor of Delphi, told ABC News that the “surreal” crime has shaken the community.

“This is difficult time for everyone,” Evans said. “I think a double-homicide is rare anywhere, but it’s extremely rare for the city of Delphi.” He told the news station that he can’t recall a homicide in the city in well over a decade.

Kevin Kolonginsky, a family friend of one of the girls, is among those shocked by the tragedy.

“We have a wonderful trail system here, that’s one of the beautiful things about living here,” Kolonginsky said. “And this is as horrible a thing that could happen to an asset like that for a town and to the children of our town.” He added that “from now on, kids on trails will have their moms and dads with them.”

Police are still seeking information about a man who was photographed in the nature reserve at about the same time the girls would have been hiking.

Indiana State Police

In a statement Wednesday, police said: “We are asking help from the public to help identify him so he can be contacted regarding what he might have seen.” Non suspects have been named in the investigation.