The body of 10-year-old Katheryn Bigbee was found inside an Alabama residence late Friday, and a juvenile has been arrested and charged with murder. Piedmont police say they discovered her less than an hour after she was reported missing, but authorities have not released the cause of death. Family and school statements recall Katheryn as bright and "spunky," while the coroner has not yet released findings and the investigation remains ongoing.
Juvenile Charged After 10-Year-Old Katheryn Bigbee Found Dead in Alabama Home
Juvenile charged with murdering Alabama girl, 10, leaving family with ‘only more questions’
A 10-year-old Alabama girl, Katheryn Bigbee, was found dead inside a residence late Friday night, prompting a homicide investigation and the arrest of a juvenile who has been charged with murder, authorities said.
Piedmont police located Katheryn's body less than an hour after she was reported missing, according to AL.com. Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson said officers "responded immediately to the residence" and "tragically discovered a deceased juvenile inside the home."
Officials have not disclosed the exact location of the residence or confirmed whether it was Katheryn’s home. Because of the suspect's age, authorities have withheld the juvenile's identity and any information about their relationship to Katheryn.
Bigbee’s cause of death has not been released. Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown told AL.com he could not release a cause of death on Sunday, and police say the investigation remains active. Fox News Digital has contacted the coroner’s office and the Piedmont Police Department for additional comment.
"Our family has been torn to pieces, and we have lost the most amazing, sweetest little girl. She was a light in any room she walked into," wrote Blake Trammell, who is in a relationship with Katheryn’s mother. "I cannot express the pain, guilt, and emptiness that has come from all of this. We don't have answers, only more questions."
The girl's school remembered her as a beloved student with a "spunky personality." In a statement, school officials said: "Katheryn had a joyful, spunky personality that made her truly special. She was an enthusiastic reader and will be remembered for the happiness she shared so freely."
What We Know
- Piedmont police found Katheryn less than an hour after she was reported missing.
- A juvenile has been arrested and charged with murder; identity and relationship to the victim withheld due to age.
- The cause of death has not been released and the investigation remains ongoing.
- Family and school statements describe Katheryn as bright, joyful and spunky.
- The Calhoun County coroner has not yet released findings.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Piedmont Police Department as the investigation continues.
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