Police arrested a "family friend" in the Arizona abduction and murder of an 8-year-old girl reported missing since Tuesday.
Justin James Rector, a 26-year-old resident of Bullhead City, was arrested for kidnapping and first-degree murder of Isabella Grogan-Cannella Thursday morning, Bullhead City Police said. Rector was booked into the Mohave County jail in Kingman, said Emily Fromelt, spokeswoman for the Bullhead City Police Department, reports Mohave Daily News.
The body of the girl was found during search operations near Chaparral and Newberry Drive in Bullhead City by the Mohave County Search and Rescue Team. The body lay close to the deceased girl's house.
Isabella was reported missing Tuesday morning from her home in the 2400 block of Lakeside Drive.
According to Bullhead City Police Chief Brian Williamson, Rector was a "family friend" of the Grogan-Cannellas and had been living at their home for a few days. Williamson said Isabella's elder sister saw her around 11:30 p.m. with Rector on Monday, reports NBC News.
According to court records, Rector was involved in dozen cases in the Bullhead City area between 2006 and 2014. His convictions include disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal damage, aggravated assault, assault and criminal trespassing, reports the Associated Press.
Police found unique shoeprints at the site that matched Rector's shoes, Williamson said.
Neighbors were shocked and disheartened to learn about the death of Isabella.
"She was a typical 8-year-old, played with her dog in back yard and across the street in soccer fields," said neighbor Richard Heymann. "I feel really bad. I couldn't believe it. We're all in shock."
