A car registered to an accused murderer and his slain wife has been recovered from Big Lake.

William A. Walter, 27, has been charged with two counts of murder in the Sunday stabbing of his wife, Melissa, 25, and relative Tammy Walter, 33. The two women were found dead at Melissa's home at Goose Lake in Whitley County.

The black 1990 Mercury was found Wednesday afternoon by state police divers, said Mike Christie, Whitley County Sheriff's Department detective.

Christie said an area resident reported a dark-colored vehicle headed toward Big Lake at 5:30 or 6 a.m. Sunday.

The description fit Walter's vehicle. Christie said the resident then saw a man run from the lake toward Ind. 109.

State police divers were able to find the vehicle off what Christie calls a little boat launch at the end of Goss Road.

Police reports said they received a 911 emergency call from a man who identified himself as "Billy Walter." The caller indicated there were two injured people at Melissa's house, and he said they had been stabbed.

Whitley County Sheriff's deputies responded to the call and found the women's bodies shortly after 5 a.m. Noble County Sheriff's deputies traced the call to a phone booth at Goss Grocery, located on the same lake the vehicle was recovered from.

The caller was gone when police arrived at the phone booth.

However, Walter was found an hour later when he was struck by a pickup on Noble CR 500S. Police are unsure if Walter intentionally stepped out in front of the pickup or if he was attempting to wave the truck to stop for help.

Walter is listed in fair condition in an area hospital. He is under 24-hour police guard.

Christie said as soon as Walter is physically able, he will be transported to Whitley County Jail.

The Whitley County Sheriff, Whitley County prosecutor and Indiana State Police are continuing the investigation. [[In-content Ad]]