Police probe possible tie between Clyde Gibson and Spierer

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - Bloomington Police Department is investigating a possible connection between a southern Indiana man suspected of murdering multiple women and the disappearance of Lauren Spierer.

The department on Thursday said a detective has been assigned to inquire with New Albany investigators about the William Clyde Gibson case.

Indiana University student Lauren Spierer, 21, disappeared after a night out with friends in June. Bloomington Police officials say there’s no indication that Gibson may be tied to Spierer’s disappearance.

“We view this as the responsible thing to do as part of our ongoing investigation and it is much like the inquiries we make on unidentified bodies that become known to us from other jurisdictions,” Bloomington Police Capt. Joe Qualters said in a written statement. ”We are certainly interested in anyone who comes to the attention of law enforcement for targeting women as victims.”

Gibson, 54, was arrested in April in connection to the 2002 death of a Jeffersonville woman and the April 19 death of a New Albany woman. Officers then found the remains of another woman in Gibson's yard .

Now, Bloomington police have assigned a detective to reach out to investigators in New Albany and Floyd County.

Christine Whitis, 75, was killed April 19th. Whitis was a friend Gibson's mom. Her body was found in Gibson's New Albany home. Karen Hodella, 44, went missing in October 2002. Her body was found three months later on the banks of the Ohio River, which isn't far from New Albany. Gibson has been charged with murder in both cases.

Then, human remains were found buried in Gibson's backyard in late April. They were identified as Stephanie Kirk, 25, who had missing since early April. Charges are pending in that case.

Gibson has a record that goes back more than 20 years. Undercover officer Gary Sharp was doing foot patrol in 1991 at a shopping area near Louisville, Ky., when he heard a woman's screams and ran to help. He found Gibson assaulting the young woman.

"It appeared his arm or hand was around her neck, and then he had one hand that was actually up her dress," Sharp said. Gibson pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and robbery in that case.

It is Gibson's criminal history and the discovery of Stephanie Kirk's body buried in the backyard of his house that has Bloomington police reaching out to investigators in Floyd County. But they caution there is no indication yet that there is any connection to Lauren's case.

Investigators in New Albany continue to search Gibson's house and property. Gibson is in the Floyd County Jail, being held without bond. Prosecutors have also filed a habitual offender charge against Gibson.