Two rings were likely taken from a Griffith, Ind., woman when she was kidnapped and slain last month, officials said in announcing a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the killer's arrest.
Mary Austgen was found inside her white 2011 GMC Yukon Denali in the parking garage of Gary's Majestic Star Casino in the early morning hours of March 29. Security cameras hours earlier recorded a man at the woman's place of business, Austgen Electric. Officials said they believe Austgen was attacked at the business, in the 800 block of East Main Street, in Griffith, and then kidnapped at gunpoint.
"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," Austgen's son, Jeff Austgen, said Monday in the family's first public comments about the case.
Austgen, 76, was found by a casino employee with gunshot wounds to the torso. Officials a week later released surveillance images captured from Austgen Electric of a man they believe had something to do with the crime. Surveillance cameras at the casino also recorded that same man being picked up by someone driving a black, four door vehicle in the valet area at about 6:45 p.m. on March 28, officials said Monday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Monday offered a reward of $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Austgen's death. Another $5,000.00 was gathered through private donations.
Anyone with information on the case should contact Griffith police at 219-924-3141. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 219-922-3085 or by sending email to griffithpolice@griffith.in.gov.
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| Griffith police said Mary Austgen's two rings, shown in these photos, were "probably" taken when the business owner was abducted. |
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| Surveillance cameras at the casino recorded the same man seen at Austgen Electric being picked up by someone driving a black, four door vehicle in the valet area at about 6:45 p.m. on March 28, officials said Monday. |
