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Darby family speaks on suspect in Indian Creek Trail murders

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After police announced a suspect in the Indian Creek Trail murders on Tuesday, one victim's family hopes to get the resolution they need. 

"Yesterday was a good day. And a bad day for the Darby family," Bob Darby, whose brother was one of the victims, said Wednesday. "We will take it. It's a step forward, it's a step in the right direction."

At a benefit check presentation ceremony for flood-stricken Coach's Bar & Grill, the family of owner Mike Darby also thanked the police. 

Mike was murdered May 18th while walking his dog on the Indian Creek Trail.

Police have 22-year-old Fredrick Scott in custody. He's a suspect in Darby's murder, and in a string of other similar trail murders.

Scott has only admitted to murdering Steve Gibbons near 67th and Troost on August 13 and John Palmer last August on the trail. 

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Police said DNA evidence linking Scott to the Gibbons murder, also linked him to Palmer. 

They need more tips and evidence to further connect Scott to Darby's murder, plus Tim Rice's and David Lenox's - all shot on the trail. 

"Our family is confident they have the right person. I'm dead sure they have the right person. And we're confident it's going to be solved," Bob said. 

Coach's co-owner and Mike's best friend Chris Carle said she's pretty "darn sure" too. 

"We're still wondering why, for one thing. There is that tiny possibility it could not be him, but it was a good feeling. It was like an exhale, yeah, breathe," Carle said. 

Family and friends say their main goal is to keep raising awareness so police get the evidence to make an arrest in Mike's case. 

"Mike used to say after a flood, you've got to pick yourself up and get back in the race, and that's what the Darby family has chosen to do. We're gonna pick ourselves up and get back in the race because that's what Mike would've wanted us to do," Bob said. 

After historic flooding on July 27th destroyed Coach's Bar & Grill, 80 local restaurants raised $50,000. The check was presented to Bob, Chris, and Mike's son, Brian, on Wednesday afternoon at Cafe Trio.