A 10-year-old girl who disappeared after she spent the night with her half-brother and his father was found dead in Iowa.
An autopsy confirmed that the human remains discovered by a fisherman belonged to Breasia Terrell, whose disappearance prompted an extensive investigation and search.
Devanport Police Chief Paul Sikorski said at a news conference in Davenport: “This news is heartbreaking to both Breasia’s family and our Davenport community.
“Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers are with all of those who are affected by this tragic loss.”
According to reports, Breasia was last seen in the early hours of July 10 at an apartment complex in Davenport. She was staying the night with her half-brother and his sex-offender father Henry Dinkins.
Dinkins is currently in custody on charges not related to the 10-year-old’s case.
After the discovery of her remains, her mother Aishia Lankford thanked the community and law enforcement for their efforts to find her daughter.
“Words cannot describe the heartache and emptiness that we feel now that police have confirmed the remains located in DeWitt, Iowa are Breasia. Our love for Breasia has gotten us through the past nine months and will continue to see us through as we fight for justice,” Lankford told the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
“Our focus will now be on seeking answers to what happened on the night she was last seen.”
Sirorski said the investigation has changed from a search for a missing person to a homicide case.
“Investigators are piecing together evidence they have gathered over months to give prosecutors everything they need to move forward,” the police chief said.
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