Some Delphi Locals Frightened That 'Down the Hill' Killer Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Authorities said they found a new direction in the case of the two teenagers killed while walking along a trail.

Is there a monster among among us?

That's the question haunting the people of Delphi, Indiana, after the news that the killer of Abigail "Abby" Williams, 13, and Liberty "Libby" German, 14, could be a local.

“We also believe this person is from Delphi, currently or has previously lived here, visits Delphi on a regular basis or works here,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter at a press conference Monday. 

Abby and Libby were found dead off a rural hiking trail near Delphi on Feb. 14, 2017, a day after a family member dropped them off near the scenic Monon High Bridge. While walking on the trail, Libby posted a photo to Snapchat showing Abby crossing the bridge.

But hours later, the girls failed to meet a relative as planned and were reported missing. Their bodies were found about half a mile from the bridge the following day.

On Monday, officials put out never-before-released video taken from Libby's cellphone showing a man walking toward the two girls. A still image had previously been shared. Authorities also released more phone audio in which a man apparently says "down the hill."

John McKean owns Wallmann's, the local supermarket in Delphi. He told Inside Edition he wasn't surprised by the revelations from Monday's press conference. 

"It's not something the community hasn't been thinking of for two years, really," McKean said. "It's unsettling to think that somebody like that is amongst us."

He added: "You feel like you know everyone, but maybe you don't know 'em quite as well as you think you do."

Caleb Stephens, a town postal worker, told Inside Edition he hopes the killer isn't living among them. 

"This is a real tight community, especially if it's somebody we talk to or see every day, that would really hurt," he said. 

Police are asking the townspeople to study the newly released video of the suspect to see if his walk is familiar. 

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