LE supposedly lets the direction of the investigation follow the evidence. I believe some piece of evidence or maybe a new witness changed the direction.
I believe they probably know who the person is as I have never heard a more targeted speech directed to the killer, especially with a religious focus thrown in. It seemed like it was directed to someone very religious, although I've never gotten the impression this was a ritual killing of some sort. That's why I think they possibly have a certain person in mind and the original sketch probably look more like this man. I also think they need more evidence and therefore put out the orig. sketch to get more information. With 1000 tips in 24 hours or so, no doubt IMO this person has been named over & over. It's a small town, everyone has been informed it is someone connected closely to the community. I don't think it matters if a relative doesn't want to turn someone in, because someone else will. They have been warned it could be someone in a trusted position. The public will take identifying this man to the next level, but they still need more evidence IMO.
I can be a storehouse of useless information lol, one thing I remember reading; in these cases even if LE know who the murder is, it can still take several months or more to get the ducks in a row, before an arrest. That could also be why patience was mentioned. Justice is coming IMO.