I would guess from Sheriff Darby's statements above that he is a committed Christian, and that yes, he did use that press conference to let the rest of the world know that there were lots of folks just like him in Panola County, MS.
I just found this website, not sure how accurate its statistics are, but they show quite a lot of folks with a religious bent (60%) in Panola County, and nearly all of them are Christians of one denomination or another. I'm not trying to put words into the sheriff's mouth, just trying to explain where he was probably coming from with that handful of religious references thrown in.
http://www.bestplaces.net/religion/county/mississippi/panola
With those kinds of statistics, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the murderer(s) turns out to be a Christian -- not a good one, mind you, but someone who knew they were doing something wrong, and who will ultimately face a harsher punishment than the criminal justice system can mete out, if they continue to hide and deny. As for all the other low life around Panola County, don't forget that when Jesus was hung on a cross, there was a thief on either side being crucifed along with him. One of the two, probably there after a life of crime, professed his belief to the Jewish Messiah being executed next to him, and as far as the Bible is concerned, he's the only person we know for sure who ever made it into heaven (besides Jesus of course) -- and he was really only a "Christian" for maybe a few minutes. He was baptised with nothing but his own blood, sweat, and tears pouring down a tortured and dying body -- so when it comes to "sprinkling" or "dunking" for baptisms, I don't think that example bears out either one.
Anyway, getting WAAAAY off the subject here. I do/did honestly think Sheriff Darby was using his bully pulpit of a press conference to proclaim to the world the strong Christianity of the county he protects and represents, that it was preventing racial tensions from becoming an issue like Furgueson had just gone through, and that it had brought about comraderie among the various investigators (black or white) brought together from all over to solve Jessica's murder.
So, yes, I do believe etc., etc. -- Can I have an Amen, Sister?