Officials confirm 2 bodies found are missing Delphi teens, open double-homicide investigation

DELPHI, Ind. -- (WXIN) -- Officials confirmed on Wednesday that the two bodies found in Delphi are the two missing teens, and this is now considered a double homicide investigation.

The bodies were found Tuesday not far from where Liberty German and Abigail Williams were last seen. The girls were reported missing Monday.

Police have released a photo of a man taken on the Delphi Historic Trails on Feb. 13, around the time Abigail Williams and Liberty German were walking, WXIN reports.

Investigators want to talk with him about what he may have seen. They would also like to speak with anyone who was parked at High Bridge Trail Head on Feb. 13, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Anyone who knows about the pictured man or has any information is asked to call the Carroll County Sheriff's Department at (765) 564-2413, the Delphi Police Department at (765) 564-2345 or the Indiana State Police at (765) 567-2125. Callers can remain anonymous.

During a Wednesday morning update, Indiana State Police said they were awaiting autopsy results to confirm the identities of the bodies discovered this week. The autopsies were conducted in Terre Haute. They reiterated that foul play was suspected, though police declined to say why they believed that was the case.They offered “no comment” when asked if there were any persons of interest.

Hundreds of leads have been followed up on, police said.

When asked if people in Delphi should be scared for their families, Sgt. Kim Riley said parents should keep a close eye on their children.

“I think people need to be cautious and careful,” Riley said. “Parents should make sure they know where their children are and what their children are doing, and if nothing else, know what's going on in their lives. That's the most important thing I can say at this point in time.”

The bodies were discovered along the edge of Deer Creek in Delphi. That's about a half-mile away from the Monon High Bridge, the last place the two girls were seen Monday afternoon. They were supposed to meet with family members later Monday evening, but when the teens didn't show up, family members called police.

Their disappearance led to a large search involving numerous volunteers and several enforcement agencies.

Delphi Community Schools Superintendent Gregory Briles said counselors will be available for students and staff Wednesday. All after school activities have been canceled for the remainder of the week at Delphi Community Middle School.

“It is a small community and the community is going to wrap its arms around these families and is going to take very good care of them,” Briles said.

Administrators also plan to step up security until police release more details about the investigation.