INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN) — The Indianapolis Metro Police Department announced detectives have solved a 1975 cold case involving the abduction and assault of three young girls.
IMPD says the suspect abducted the trio over 48 years ago, on Aug. 19, 1975, around 10:45 p.m.
Kandice Smith, 13, Sheri Rottler Trick, 11, and Kathie Rottler, 14 were leaving a gas station on Washington Street near Belmar Avenue on the city’s east side.
The girls decided to hitchhike and a man driving a station wagon pulled over and offered to give them a ride.
As the girls approached their destination, they attempted to get out of the vehicle but the suspect threatened them at gunpoint and before stopping the car near a cornfield in Hancock County.
Police detailed that the suspect forced the three girls out of the vehicle and bound two of them.
He then proceeded to sexually assault one of the girls before stabbing her. During the attack, the suspect also “stabbed the other two girls numerous times.” As the girls laid in the cornfield, the suspect fled the area.
IMPD said the older girls walked toward the highway and flagged down help. All three victims survived the attack.
Police from several jurisdictions including Indiana State Police investigated the incident and looked for a possible suspect.
After several leads were followed and a sketch was drawn, the investigation eventually stalled and went cold.
While newspaper articles at the time included a police sketch of the suspect, no one was ever charged with the vicious attack.
“I stand here today as a survivor who has learned the true meaning of patience,” said one of the attack survivors Kathie Rottler.
In 2018, an IMPD sergeant re-opened the case and worked to have evidence and DNA analyzed.
In 2021, the Marion County crime lab recovered DNA evidence linking to a possible suspect.
In 2023, a genetic genealogy was completed by DNA Labs International in Florida.
“The ForenSeq Kintelligence System, the newest Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) technology, was designed specifically for challenging forensic samples,” said Steve Dubois, a Client Experience Specialist at DNA Labs International. “This testing enabled the development of a DNA profile 48 years later that was then used by DLI’s genealogy team to generate a new investigative lead for law enforcement. DLI was also able to confirm this investigative lead using DNA kinship testing.”
Funding for the testing was provided by Audiochuck, an Indy-based media company.
“When the Audiochuck team was made aware of this need for funding, it was a no brainer for us to step in. We are honored to be standing here today as a small part of the team that made this solve possible. The advancements that have been made in DNA testing is astounding and we’re encouraged by what this means for cold and ongoing cases,” said Audiochuck Founder & Chief Creative Officer Ashley Flowers.
The assault suspect was identified as Thomas Edward Williams who died in November of 1983 in a Galveston, Texas prison.
“This was an act of evil that none of you deserved. I hope this brings you some sort of closure knowing your attacker has been identified,” said retired IMPD Sgt. David Ellison who worked on the cold case for years.
IMPD leadership said solving the cold case illustrates the department’s dedication to finding justice for all victims.
“My message today is if commit a crime in Indy we’re going to hold you accountable no matter how long it takes,” said IMPD deputy chief Kendale Adams.
That message of hope was shared by the three survivors.
“It’s put peace within my heart,” said survivor Kandice Smith.
“My message to other survivors is never give up,” said Rottler.
Jesse Wells contributed to this report.
