UPDATE: Teen Suspect in Custody in Death of 12-Year-Old Girl; Victim Identified
West Valley Police Chief Lee Russo, during a press conference Friday at 3 p.m., said that the young girl did not appear to have any texting communication with the suspect but he came to her front door around midnight and she did leave with him. There was also a press conference held at noon.
“There was a statement that was made that enticed her to come out. There was a dialogue in which she agreed to go outside,” said Russo. An hour and a half later, police say the victim’s parents approached officers at a nearby convenience store and reported her missing. “Subsequently the mother did become concerned when the young girl didn’t return,” he said.
Officers immediately began a search of the area by pinging and tracking the girl’s cell phone which lead them to the area where the body was found. “Ultimately we did locate the body of the missing girl and the investigation has continued from that point,” said Russo.
Russo further clarified that in the initial interviews from neighbors it did lead them to identify a person of interest early on but police say they have now found evidence at the scene that links the same individual to the crime. He is now considered the primary suspect. “We are confident that only suspect is in custody,” he said.
In response to being asked about the parenting of the girl, he said: “This isn’t about parenting. What we are investigating is the death of a 12-year-old girl.” He said that investigators strongly believe the girl died in the same area where she was found.
The medical examiner has not been able to find any information to suggest stab wounds or gun shots, and is currently still trying to determine her actual cause of death.
There are now two crime scenes – one where the girl’s body was found and the other at the “person of interest’s” home. Friday afternoon, the medical examiner was also on scene. The victim’s home and the two crime scenes are all in the same West Valley neighborhood. At the victim’s home, a sign on the front door says, “Please respect our privacy. Thank you.” Neighbors tell Gephardt Daily the victim’s family is friendly and helpful.
The family of the suspect issued a written statement Friday evening through their LDS Bishop….”Our hearts and prayers are with the Vigil family and may God comfort all families hurt during this terrible tragedy.”
More information to follow on this developing story.
Photos From The Crime Scene: Gephardt Daily 2015
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