Police found the dead body of an 8-year-old on Monday night in Santa Cruz, Calif. not far from where she was last spotted riding her scooter before her disappearance.
The body of Madyson "Maddy" Middleton was recovered at approximately 8 p.m. from a dumpster at the Tannery Arts Center, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department. Middleton, who was last seen at about 5 p.m. on Sunday, was visiting her mother who resides at the center's affordable housing, The LA Times reported.
"The coroner's office is typically the agency that makes the identification, but we are fairly confident at this point that it is Madyson Middleton," Police Chief Kevin Vogel said, according to KTLA.
The police have arrested a teenage boy, who lives in the same apartment complex, in connection with the young girl's death, said police. Authorities have not yet released the teenager's identity but have confirmed that he is a minor. "He is being detained and questioned at the police department for investigation of homicide," Vogel said.
After Middleton was reported missing, California Highway Patrol issued a statewide, all-points bulletin for all of its officers to look for Middleton. The sheriff's office search and rescue team were called in to help, along with a special K9 unit from the State Office of Emergency Services, KABC-TV reported.
Authorities searched for the girl in neighboring woodland and park areas. Air, as well as water search and rescue units, were deployed to find the vanished child, according to The Associated Press.
