Indianapolis Metro Police Department Solves 1975 Cold Case Involving Abduction and Assault of Three Young Girls

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metro Police Department (IMPD) has recently announced a major breakthrough in a 1975 cold case. Detectives have successfully solved the case, which involved the abduction and assault of three young girls. This development comes after more than four decades of investigation and numerous leads followed. The IMPD is dedicated to bringing justice to all victims and holding criminals accountable, no matter how long it takes.

The incident took place on August 19, 1975, around 10:45 p.m. Kandice Smith, aged 13, Sheri Rottler Trick, aged 11, and Kathie Rottler, aged 14, were leaving a gas station located on Washington Street near Belmar Avenue, situated on the east side of the city. The girls, deciding to hitchhike, were approached by a man driving a station wagon who offered them a ride.

As the girls neared their destination, they attempted to exit the vehicle. However, the suspect threatened them at gunpoint, preventing their escape. Eventually, he stopped the car near a cornfield in Hancock County. The suspect forced the three girls out of the vehicle, bound two of them, and subjected one of the girls to sexual assault. During the attack, he also stabbed all three girls multiple times. After the assault, the suspect fled the area, leaving the girls in the cornfield.

Despite their injuries, the older girls managed to make their way to the highway and flag down help. Miraculously, all three victims survived the vicious attack. The incident was thoroughly investigated by police from various jurisdictions, including the Indiana State Police. A police sketch of the suspect was released, but no one was ever charged in connection with the crime.

Following years of inactivity, the case was reopened by an IMPD sergeant in 2018. The sergeant worked tirelessly to have the evidence and DNA analyzed. In 2021, the Marion County crime lab made a significant breakthrough by recovering DNA evidence that linked to a possible suspect. Further analysis was conducted by DNA Labs International in Florida, where a genetic genealogy was completed using the ForenSeq Kintelligence System. This advanced forensic technology allowed for the development of a DNA profile 48 years later, leading to the identification of a new investigative lead for law enforcement.

The funding for the testing was provided by Audiochuck, an Indianapolis-based media company. The team at Audiochuck recognized the importance of supporting this investigation and the advancements in DNA testing that could potentially solve cold and ongoing cases. The company’s founder and Chief Creative Officer, Ashley Flowers, expressed her honor in being part of the team that made this breakthrough possible.

The assault suspect has been identified as Thomas Edward Williams, who died in November 1983 while in prison in Galveston, Texas. Retired IMPD Sgt. David Ellison, who dedicated years to working on the cold case, expressed his hope that the survivors find closure in knowing the identity of their attacker. IMPD leadership emphasized that solving this cold case exemplifies the department’s commitment to finding justice for all victims, no matter how much time has passed.

The three survivors expressed their gratitude and relief at the resolution of the case. Kandice Smith, one of the survivors, shared that it has brought peace to her heart. Sheri Rottler Trick encouraged other survivors to never give up. The IMPD and its detectives continue their relentless pursuit of justice, sending a message to criminals that they will be held accountable for their actions in Indianapolis.

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