Found Deceased IN - Abigail (Abby) Williams, 13, & Liberty (Libby) German, 14, The Delphi Murders 13 Feb 2017 #109

[CelticIre]

So I get that his gait looks strange in the video, but if his gait was what LE wanted us to focus on, than I feel that's what they would have said. Instead they specified not to.

Law enforcement also specifically made note of the fact that the bridge ties are uneven and openly spaced over what, an approximately 70 ft drop? Nobody navigating those ties walks normally; which is why I said up thread that I pretty much discount any observational characterization of his gait or stride. Well, that and the fact that the released video portion is barely 2.5 seconds long.

 

[moonlessnight]

he may not have had to go very far to get to his vehicle. I am not clear on how far the DCS bldg was from where the girls were found. he could have stayed on the property and hidden for a while, too, so he might not be able to run long distances but maybe short spurts.

Given the height of the bridge, I believe that IRL he walks just fine. And he was able to escape fast, so his agility is beyond questions. However, his gait is odd, and it should not be. Hence I wonder that he does it internationally, or maybe not quite intentionally, but it is more “in his head”.

 

[mtnlites]

so I wonder if that's been learned from PT? Some trainers prefer to have patients learn to step on the ball of the foot instead of landing with a heel strike.

That's just my natural way of walking.

 

[mtnlites]

he may not have had to go very far to get to his vehicle. I am not clear on how far the DCS bldg was from where the girls were found. he could have stayed on the property and hidden for a while, too, so he might not be able to run long distances but maybe short spurts.

About a 15-minute walk at normal pace.

 

[CelticIre]

he may not have had to go very far to get to his vehicle. I am not clear on how far the DCS bldg was from where the girls were found. he could have stayed on the property and hidden for a while, too, so he might not be able to run long distances but maybe short spurts.

With respect... hypothetically, if an individual with such a condition wasn't able to run long distances, then in my view I very much doubt he would be able to subdue and murder two young girls. If he doesn't have the strength and endurance for mobility except in "short bursts", then I would personally dismiss the very strenuous physical activity and exertion it would require to kill two human beings.

 

[moonlessnight]

The picture of Abby on the bridge shows what a normal gait would be in that situation - she is looking down, attentive to where she is putting her foot, but her foot is not lifted above the ties by much more than an inch or so. Her gait might not be her normal way of walking, but it is appropriate for the circumstances. of course the photo was taken as she was placing her foot down so she might have lifted it higher in the moments before this picture was taken. Still, her gait as caught in the picture looks natural for the conditions.

BG does not seem to have an appropriate gait for the conditions. Try walking on an uneven surface while lifting your feet 4 inches off the ground with each step - very unstable and awkward. I think that's why he juts his head down and forward and leans over to the left as he lifts his right foot the second time - he is unbalanced. IMO, this is someone who lifts his knees higher than normal or necessary in his normal, day to day walk.

Law enforcement also specifically made note of the fact that the bridge ties are uneven and openly spaced over what, an approximately 70 ft drop? Nobody navigating those ties walks normally; which is why I said up thread that I pretty much discount any observational characterization of his gait or stride. Well, that and the fact that the released video portion is barely 2.5 seconds long.

 

[mtnlites]

With respect... hypothetically, if an individual with such a condition wasn't able to run long distances, then in my view I very much doubt he would be able to subdue and murder two young girls. If he doesn't have the strength and endurance for mobility except in "short bursts", then I would personally dismiss the very strenuous physical activity it would require to kill two human beings.

And LE did say that he got around "quickly."

 

[moonlessnight]

I can see why you would come to this conclusion. I also know there are a lot of conditions that are mildly disabling and may prevent some types of exertive activity but not others. still, whatever he has under his coat may not be medically necessary, but more of an assistive device or even a substance than enhances performance of some kind or alters mental state - as Roses mentioned.

With respect... hypothetically, if an individual with such a condition wasn't able to run long distances, then in my view I very much doubt he would be able to subdue and murder two young girls. If he doesn't have the strength and endurance for mobility except in "short bursts", then I would personally dismiss the very strenuous physical activity and exertion it would require to kill two human beings.

 

[CelticIre]

The picture of Abby on the bridge shows what a normal gait would be in that situation - she is looking down, attentive to where she is putting her foot, but her foot is not lifted above the ties by much more than an inch or so. Her gait might not be her normal way of walking, but it is appropriate for the circumstances. of course the photo was taken as she was placing her foot down so she might have lifted it higher in the moments before this picture was taken. Still, her gait as caught in the picture looks natural for the conditions.

BG does not seem to have an appropriate gait for the conditions. Try walking on an uneven surface while lifting your feet 4 inches off the ground with each step - very unstable and awkward. I think that's why he juts his head down and forward and leans over to the left as he lifts his right foot the second time - he is unbalanced. IMO, this is someone who lifts his knees higher than normal or necessary in his normal, day to day walk.

You are referring to a still photo taken of Abby as opposed to a video clip of the suspect. The two data comparisons are inconsistent. In my view there is no way to accurately judge how Abby is actually walking on that bridge based on the still image. For all we know, in the very next instant after the photo was taken, she may also have leaned down and forward or listed to one side. Again, I cannot in good conscience give much credibility to any observational characterization of the suspect's manner of gait in that very short video clip. There simply is just not enough information.

 

[CompletelyIncorrect]

Regarding DNA, I think they may have a partial profile or more than one profile.
A partial profile comes with the obvious difficulties.

LE might also have 2-3 profiles.
1 or none could be the killer, so they don’t want to claim they have DNA and then realize none of them are actually the killer.
That could blow up in their face or cause issues in court.

 

[CelticIre]

I can see why you would come to this conclusion. I also know there are a lot of conditions that are mildly disabling and may prevent some types of exertive activity but not others. still, whatever he has under his coat may not be medically necessary, but more of an assistive device or even a substance than enhances performance of some kind or alters mental state - as Roses mentioned.

I'm afraid I do not credit that reasoning.

 

[TL4S]

And LE did say that he got around "quickly."

They also explained that the terrain where the girls where found is not easy to traverse.

 

[CelticIre]

And LE did say that he got around "quickly."

Yes, which to my eyes is one of the most terrifying aspects of this case. It happened very fast and covered a significant amount of rather challenging terrain.

 

[scruffydog]

The picture of Abby on the bridge shows what a normal gait would be in that situation - she is looking down, attentive to where she is putting her foot, but her foot is not lifted above the ties by much more than an inch or so. Her gait might not be her normal way of walking, but it is appropriate for the circumstances. of course the photo was taken as she was placing her foot down so she might have lifted it higher in the moments before this picture was taken. Still, her gait as caught in the picture looks natural for the conditions.

BG does not seem to have an appropriate gait for the conditions. Try walking on an uneven surface while lifting your feet 4 inches off the ground with each step - very unstable and awkward. I think that's why he juts his head down and forward and leans over to the left as he lifts his right foot the second time - he is unbalanced. IMO, this is someone who lifts his knees higher than normal or necessary in his normal, day to day walk.

While I very much think that BG is well acquainted with the bridge and the area it’s in, I think the bridge looks very uneven, and I personally am one to catch my foot and trip over uneven surfaces. ( I’m mid 50s for reference, with no health issues). Additionally, I very much agree with what has been said before.. that I think the short video was caught as he was turning his body and coming away from the edge of the bridge and coming for Abbi. He pivoted quickly and turned, which exaggerated his leg movements. To me I see no disability, odd gait, or anything strange about it.
Obviously, just my extremely amateur position!!!!

 

[Sugarcane18]

my theory is that partial or total impotence (caused by the same issue that impacted his leg function) has impacted his young adult relationships and led to a break up that was recent at the time of the murders. having no coping skills and serious behavioral and anger/entitlement problems, he dealt with the ending of this relationship by lashing out at those he did have power over - younger children. His victims' ages may or may not have symbolic meaning for events that occurred in his own life, that possibly led to his impotence. Maybe age 13-14 was the last time he could "perform" completely. Maybe it's attached to whatever he has in the front of his coat that appears tall and cylindrical or rectangular (O2 tank/pack?).

this is all speculation.

ETA - I will also say that whatever he has around his mouth and neck is making it appear that he has a goatee/mustache and scarf in some frames. I think it's something else that goes around the whole mouth and extends down in front of his neck. It blocks his chin that LE has stated is very long and disproportionate to his face.

Maybe it's some kind of breathing apparatus but not intended for him. Someone mentioned nitrous oxide for stamina, but what if it was to disable the girls?

 

[mtnlites]

They also explained that the terrain where the girls where found is not easy to traverse.

It isn't. I am disabled and it takes a heck of a lot of work to move around down there.

 

[rosesfromangels]

While I very much think that BG is well acquainted with the bridge and the area it’s in, I think the bridge looks very uneven, and I personally am one to catch my foot and trip over uneven surfaces. ( I’m mid 50s for reference, with no health issues). Additionally, I very much agree with what has been said before.. that I think the short video was caught as he was turning his body and coming away from the edge of the bridge and coming for Abbi. He pivoted quickly and turned, which exaggerated his leg movements. To me I see no disability, odd gait, or anything strange about it.
Obviously, just my extremely amateur position!!!!

He had to have been doing some practice runs on that bridge before the day he attacked the girls. He knew it well. I bet people saw him on that bridge the days leading up to the attack. Lone guy, odd looking, coat stuffed.

Amateur opinion and speculation

 

[TL4S]

Maybe it's some kind of breathing apparatus but not intended for him. Someone mentioned nitrous oxide for stamina, but what if it was to disable the girls?

Yesterday, @FinePrint posted that early on, a witness said they saw him wearing a scarf. No link, and I'm not familiar with the story, but a scarf makes sense, especially if he'd been outside since morning when it was likely much colder. If not a scarf, couldn't it just be bunch up clothing?

 

[mtnlites]

It isn't. I am disabled and it takes a heck of a lot of work to move around down there.

Clarification : I am disabled, but I do not require the use of oxygen or a wheelchair. I could not imagine anyone who required the use of oxygen doing this. Moreover, I stand firm behind the notion that if a respirator were that visible to the general, amateur public then LE would have noticed it, a witness would have noticed it, and it would have been noted on the sketch or description.

I like thinking out of the box, but that is not what this is to me.

 

[mtnlites]

Yesterday, @FinePrint posted that early on, a witness said they saw him wearing a scarf. No link, and I'm not familiar with the story, but a scarf makes sense, especially if he'd been outside since morning when it was likely much colder. If not a scarf, couldn't it just be bunch up clothing?

Yes, that could be what it is.

We don't even know who enhanced the image, or if the object was even originally green. I do book cover designs on the side and even when I was a novice it was simple enough to play with tints and brushes to change colors.