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Police Probe Possible Connection Between Murder Suspect And Lauren Spierer

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (CBSNewYork) -- There could be a potential break in the case of an Indiana University student from Westchester who has been missing since last June.

Bloomington police are looking into a possible connection between the disappearance of Lauren Spierer and a man taken into custody in New Albany, Ind. for the murders of two women.

The suspect, William Clyde Gibson, was arrested this month. The remains of a third woman were reportedly found in his backyard last week.

The Bloomington Police Department has assigned a detective to inquire with authorities in New Albany about the Gibson case.

"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," the department said in a statement.

Police said there is no indication of a connection but they are "interested in anyone who comes to the attention of law enforcement for targeting women as victims."

Spierer, 20, disappeared on June 3, 2011 after a night out with friends in downtown Bloomington.

She left without her shoes or cell phone and was later seen on surveillance video stumbling out of an elevator at her apartment.

Police have received thousands of tips and tested several remains found in surrounding areas to no avail.

Spierer's parents recently said they no longer believe their daughter is alive.

In February, the Spierers announced that thanks to a donation, the reward for information that leads them to their daughter has grown to $250,000.

They asked that anyone with information contact Beau Dietl Associates at 1.800.777.9366, www.investigations.com or the Bloomington Police Department at (812)339-4477.

For more information, visit www.findlauren.com.

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