DELPHI, Ind. -- The murders of two teen girls have rattled the quiet community of Delphi and parents are keeping a closer watch on their children's activities.
John Bennett lives across the street from the Delphi City Building which has become headquarters for local law enforcement and FBI working the case.
“You step out on the front porch, and you have all these people in suits with guns, carrying badges,” said Bennett.
He said the murders have been heartbreaking for everyone who lives in their small town.
“It’s consumed the whole community, it’s devastating,” said Bennett.
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Their deaths have also been an eye-opening reminder that violent crime can happen anywhere, which is something Bennett has been aware of in recent days as he monitors his children's social media accounts.
“(My kids) had over 3,000 contacts, and there are not even 3,000 people in the town of Delphi,” said Bennett.
Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14, went missing while hiking near the Monon High Bridge on February 13. The girls’ bodies were found by search volunteers the next day.
Indiana State Police have released audio and an image taken on Liberty’s cell phone the day that she died, which police hope will lead them to the girls’ killer.
“It breaks my heart that children can’t just be children anymore. It breaks my heart that these young ladies were on the trail on a beautiful day and this crime occurred,” said Bennett.
As police continue to comb through the hundreds of tips coming in, Bennett said the girls’ memory would live on in their small community forever.
“(The town will) never forget. This will never be forgotten,” said Bennett.
Listen to the audio by clicking "play" below.
If you recognize the voice or photo, please call the Delphi tip line at 844-459-5786 or 1-800-CALL FBI, or you can email Abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com.
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