Police: Dogs pick up scent in Gibson’s backyard

Floyd County

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Investigators with the New Albany Police Department and forensic anthropoligists from the University of Indianapolis dig in the back yard of William Clyde Gibson — who is charged with the murder of two women. The remains of another woman, Stephanie Kirk, 35, were found buried in Gibson's back yard last month. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp
Investigators dig in the back yard of William Clyde Gibson, who is charged with the murders of two women, on Monday on Woodbourne Drive in New Albany. Cadaver dogs located two spots in Gibson's back yard where bodies may have been. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp
New Albany Police chief Sherry Knight gives an update on the investigation at William Clyde Gibson's home on Monday. Police had the entire street roped off as investigators and forensic anthropologists from the University of Indianapolis dug in Gibson's back yard. Gibson is a suspect in the murder of at least two people. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp
William Clyde Gibson III

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May 14, 2012

Police: Dogs pick up scent in Gibson’s backyard

Police search for more evidence at New Albany home where body was found

By CHRIS MORRIS chris.morris@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Mon May 14, 2012, 10:21 PM EDT

NEW ALBANY — New Albany Police Department officers, with the help of forensic anthropologists from the University of Indianapolis, continued to dig and search the backyard of William Clyde Gibson III, 54, Monday afternoon.

The 800 block of Woodbourne Drive, where Gibson’s home is located, was blocked off for several hours while police searched the backyard for more evidence or another victim. New Albany Police Chief Sherri Knight said two cadaver dogs picked up a scent at two separate spots in the backyard which is what led to the increased activity at the scene Monday.

Gibson has been charged with the murders of 75-year-old Christine Whitis, of Clarksville, and 45-year-old Karen Hodella. The body of Stephanie Kirk, 35, of Charlestown, was found buried in Gibson’s backyard April 27. She had been missing since March 25, but Floyd County prosecutor Keith Henderson has not filed charges against Gibson regarding the third victim.

Whitis was found strangled in Gibson’s garage April 19. Hodella’s body was found in a wooded area near the Ohio River in January 2003.

Police wrapped up the search at about 4 p.m. Monday and had not found any new evidence. However, the investigation is ongoing, Knight said.

While the cadaver dogs may have picked up on Kirk’s scent, Knight said investigators had to make sure there was not another victim buried in the yard.

The house has had a police presence since Whitis’ body was discovered. They have also searched the Ohio River and followed up on other leads as the investigation continues. Several items from Gibson’s home, including a couch, end tables and more, have been moved to a large storage trailer parked in the driveway by investigators.

Gibson has been in and out of jail since 1991 for various crimes including sexual assault, auto theft, possession of stolen property and other convictions.