[FONT="]"I told the detective, he said it looked an awful lot like the guy he used to work with," she said. "He said he knew back then that guy had a house back in this area and he said he knew he was still around."
[/FONT]http://www.wthr.com/article/memorial-grows-as-police-continue-search-for-delphi-girls-killer
The article also goes into checking the parking lots for the trail...
It's unclear if those lots were checked the day of the disappearance. Probably not, because no one thought the girls had been harmed.
Well that is an interesting article I hadn't read. The fact the girls said he was in black, could possibly coincide with Steele's hypothesis that the guy had another set of clothes in a backpack....
I find it interesting that the woman in the article says something about "hunting pants". I agree this guy is a hunter. Knows the woods, how to maneuver around, etc.
The cold water of the creek is throwing me off. I understand him crossing the creek to get to a specific destination, and/or to throw off a scent for the dogs. (A hunter would know that too). But I can't see him staying wet and cold that long. It was in the low 40's that day I believe, per my google search. Although it makes sense that he went to a warmer location, I keep struggling with this, because I don't see him transporting the girls back. Too difficult in that brush, and more risk of detection. However, the remains would indicate if that was what happened.
Obviously thinking aloud....on one hand this Perp seems like a skilled woodsman/hunter. But on the other hand, he made mistakes that will hopefully secure an arrest; captured on video/audio, and a boot print. There is probably more, but only LE knows.
I keep thinking he is ex-military, but then again, he would have prints on file. Arrrghhh...where am I going with this? Here's what I'm trying to piece together:
1. Online predator; lured these girls to the destination, had the attack well planned
2. Not his first attack, but this may be an escalation. Other attacks where girls have survived should be carefully scrutinized. He probably has attacked/abused young women in his extended family for years
3. Hunter
4. Familiar with the area; lived in Delphi (or surrounding area) at one point. May work in forestry, or maintain trails (or did)
5. Identify boot manufacturer by print
6. Might work in a capacity where he can be around young girls such as coach, teacher, etc.
7. His family knows, but is protecting him
8. Worked for, and has loose connection to one of the families; had exposure to girls at some point
This is a tough one for sure