Abby & Libby have been on my mind and in my heart during this holiday season, along with their families.
I read an article that refreshed in my mind the reason we are here on Web Sleuths and what we need to keep in mind.
The article is :
https://www.theindychannel.com/longform/delphi-daughters-the-untold-story-of-abby-libby
Here are a few quotes from the familes and the reporter in this article:
Abigail “Abby” Williams and Liberty “Libby” German had a bond stronger than most. This was a bond that not even a killer could break.
Abigail Joyce Williams
Abby loved making things for other people. She’d make rubber band bracelets, paintings and bead crafts for friends. There wasn’t a form of art that Abby hadn’t tried her hand at. “She had more crafts than you’d know what to do with,” Anna said. "She loved to make things for other people, she loved to be around other people." Abby had recently been knitting tiny, colorful hats for newborns at the local hospital. Also in her blood was a knack for photography, a passion her mother also shared. Abby would run off with her mom’s camera when they were at weddings or other events. She loved the outdoors and had an eye for the world around her, finding details most would miss. “I do have pictures when she was little and our friend had a beautiful garden and I let her take it. It occurred to me how much at a foot and a half shorter – how different she did see things,” said Anna. Abby’s last photo would feature her on the majestic Monon High Bridge, enjoying another of her and her best friend’s favorite things to do.
Liberty Rose Lynn German
Liberty German dreamed of becoming a science teacher. She was interested in solving crimes or finding clues and her curiosity in the sciences was serious business. She attended several classes at nearby Purdue University to try out different areas to see what interested her most. She was a mature student, but still a teenager. Libby loved to make people feel good – she would use sticky notes to leave messages of love and encouragement for others. It wasn’t until after her death that her grandparents learned about all of the little things she did. “She left me a note one day in my sun visor,” said Becky. “’I love you. Thank you for all you do for me and (my sister).’” “She called me one day,” Mike said. “I had given her some money for some item at school or a function, probably a $10 bill. She called me up and said ‘Grandpa, with the change can I give it to somebody else? There is somebody who needs something.’ So, that’s the way she worked. It’s the way she operated.” Her grandparents said she was always thinking of someone else.Like Abby, she too had a passion for photography. Nature, the bridge, her friends and family – She loved to take photos of the world around her. And on February 13, she did just that, catching a killer in her lens.
The Bond
The mystery surrounding what happened on that bridge remains, but photos and video taken from Libby’s cellphone have given investigators a glimpse into what may have happened in those final moments. Libby is heralded a hero for having the wherewithal to turn her camera on, like she did so many times before, and capture what was happening. Investigators have released two still images and a 3-second audio clip from that recording of the only person they have officially called a suspect in the crime: An unrecognizable man in a blue coat, with evil intentions for two teenage girls. And in their fear and confusion of the final moments of their young lives, their bond was stronger than ever. “They did not leave each other's side. I don't know what happened out there that day---there's a chance, an opportunity for one to break off or split or make a break for it, or whatever,” said Mike. “I look at it you, know two young soldiers that stuck together, covered each other's back, two best friends, you know. I wouldn't leave my best friend side. Neither did they.”
Legacy
The murders of Libby and Abby have left a hole in the tight-knit community they grew up in. Photos of the girls along with posters of the suspect still plaster storefront windows across town, almost three months later. Fundraisers continue as the community bands together to help raise money to fund a sports complex that will be built in the girls’ memory. It’s something that both families look forward to in the wake of the tragedy. It’s a way to make sure Libby and Abby are never forgotten. “They’ll remember them. Their legacy will be there,” said Becky. Along with the sports complex, Anna said a park will also be dedicated in Abby’s memory. “I see beautiful things from our parks,” said Anna. “For our families, for our community to be involved for years and years to come.” While a site for the park has not been selected, the love behind the project remains. “So the rest of the girls in this community, growing up, can always go there and read on a plaque ‘this field was built in remembrance of (Libby and Abby),’ said Mike. “A kid 25 years from now can look at it and go: ‘That’s why I get to play here today.’” It’s in these places that joy can live on and Abby and Libby’s families can see their daughters forever.
End of article quotes.
While I have only posted a handful of times, I have read most of these 79 threads (with the exception of scrolling and rolling several times). I believe it is easy to get fixated on one thing or person to the point of insisting we are right. None of us has the one thing that can catch BG or he would be locked up. (Believe me, I have racked my brain this past few days. What are we missing?) I'm sorry this is so long, but I think we owe it to Abby & Libby to show respect for them, their families and each other as we try to "sleuth" this case. Also, thank you Tricia and all the mods for all you do.
Go ahead and ask away and we shall try to answer!
