Police: Stolen Rings May Lead To Casino Murder Suspect
GRIFFITH, Ind. (CBS) --Griffith Police believe that the person who kidnapped Mary Austgen may have taken two rings she was wearing during the abduction.
Austgen, 76, of St. John, was abducted around 5:40 p.m. on March 28 from The Austgen Cos., at 801 E. Main St., Griffith police said. A family member who worked with her at The Austgen Cos. almost immediately reported her missing.
Austgen was found fatally shot in her white 2011 GMC Yukon Denali SUV, parked outside the Majestic Star Casino on March 29.
"They are pretty distinct rings and I would imagine if somebody were to see those rings somewhere else, a jewelry store, a pawn shop, they are significant rings," said Griffith, Indiana Police Detective Lieutenant, Matt Argadine. "At this point, those are the only two things we know that are missing from her."
Griffith Police are also trying to identify a person of interest that picked the suspect while driving a black four door vehicle up at the valet area of the Majestic Star Casino just over an hour after Austgen was abducted.
Griffith Police Believe Stolen Rings May Lead To Murder Suspect
Police and Austgen's family are asking for help, especially in identifying the abductor and the driver of what was apparently the getaway car.
Austgen's son Jeff spoke for the family.
"Someone out there knows who did this . These cases are solved by people like you that pick up the phone and we urge you to do the right thing," said Jeff Austgen.
There is now a $10,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the perpetrator
Griffith police say they've received numerous tips, so many that they now have several other agencies including the FBI, helping them sift through them.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call Griffith Police Department's anonymous tip line at (219) 922-3085. People also can call Gary police Detective Lorenzo Davis at (219) 881-4738 or the Gary department's anonymous tip line at (866) 274-6347.
