This shows criteria for an Amber alert. It is clear that they could/should have called it IMO. They may have then had access to thermal imaging helicopters or other such assistance.
Amber Alert: Broadcast Guidelines
What is a “Qualifying Abduction?”
- The child must be under 18 years of age.
- The child must be believed to be abducted, and in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
- There must be enough descriptive information to believe the broadcast will help.
- Request must be recommended by the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction.
That is all that was needed to call it.
Even if they had called the police asap then by the looks of the time BG was likely seen at Freedom Bridge, the girls were already dead and he was getting away, so it wouldn't have helped anyway it seems.
Bumping the INDIANA Amber alert guidelines as we are still discussing them. No description of an abductor or vehicle needed.