A day of searching in and around Vandalia, Illinois, ended in heartbreak Friday after a 13-year-old girl who had been reported missing was found dead and a suspect was taken into custody, authorities said.
According to Vandalia police, officers received a missing-person report at approximately 6:34 a.m. A deceased individual was later located, and a person was detained in connection with the disappearance, NBC Chicago reported. Illinois State Police described the investigation as being "in its infancy" and said no additional details were available Friday.
What Vandalia Police Released
Earlier in the day, the Vandalia Police Department issued a missing-person alert asking residents to help locate the teenager. In an afternoon update, the department said multiple regional agencies had joined the investigation, including the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Elmo Police Department, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the FBI, according to Vandalia Radio.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials have not released the names of either the victim or the person detained. Authorities said updates will be provided as the Illinois State Police-led investigation moves forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Vandalia Police Department or the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation.
