PAINFUL& WICKED! California Girl, 8, stabbed by Neck, Chest & Stomach Dies…FBI searches for Killer
* Law Enforcement agencies hunt for a 6-foot-tall muscular man
* Residents ordered to lock their doors * Classmates at Valley Springs School Cries
* Pronounced Dead in the Hospital
* Police: “Gruesome Murder”
BY STEPAHNNIE IRENE STEVENS/EDUCATION REPORTER, CALIFORNIA
HER name was Leila Fowler, an 8 year old and very intelligent girl. But her dream was cut short when she was murdered in cold blood right in her room by an assailant. Leila’s parents had been crying, while her classmates are sad in view of this sad occurrence.
Killer on the Hunt List
Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI) operatives are on the trail of this murderer who seems to be at large. A manhunt for a suspect considered “armed and dangerous” is on-going in California after 8-year-old Leila Fowler was found stabbed to death in her home. She was stabbed many times on her neck, chest and stomach.
Leila and her 12-year-old brother were home alone in separate rooms on Saturday when the boy told police he found an intruder in the home.
Victim’s brother called Police
The 12-year-old called his parents, who alerted sheriff’s deputies. The intruder fled and the boy found his sister with severe injuries. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Coroner confirmed girl was stabbed
Calaveras County Coroner Kevin Raggio, Naija Standard confirmed reportedly said: “Fowler had been stabbed, but declined to elaborate regarding her injuries.”
Victim’s Grandmother in tears
For Robin Walters, victim’s grandmother, she said “She was a beautiful little girl. I just hope and pray they find him,” Walters said. “Nobody should have to go through this.”
Law Enforcement Agencies intensify hunt for killer
For anyone who committed this heinous crime, the long hands of the law will soon catch up with that person, as Law enforcement agencies are searching for a suspect described as a 6-foot-tall man with a muscular build. He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and blue pants. The suspect is considered “armed and dangerous,” according to police.
Police have been searching Fowler’s home in Valley Springs, California, a rural town 60 miles southeast of Sacramento, and the surrounding areas.
In the words of Calaveras County Sheriff’s Capt. Jim Macedo: “We did collect some fingerprints during that search and we also collected what we believe to be DNA. We’re searching extensively into attics and storage sheds. It is a difficult area to search. The area has a lot of empty homes and rocky areas.”
Police said Leila’s brother is not a suspect at this time, but they have been interviewing him. Macedo said “We are continuing to talk to him, which would be normal because he was the last person with the child.”
Security beefed up in schools
Naija Standard learnt that Schools in the area were open today with an increased level of law enforcement presence at schools and bus stops. Counselors and support staff were available at the schools.
On Saturday, residents were warned to lock their doors and be on high alert for any suspicious activity. Authorities are also asking for any information on anyone who may have left town unexpectedly after the crime or has unexplained injuries, according to an alert on the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office website. The crime has left everyone, especially parents, on edge.
Police have all roads leading to Leila’s home blocked at both ends while the continue processing the crime scene and searching for a suspect. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has released little information about the killing other than a vague description of a man with long gray hair who fled when the boy confronted him.
At Jenny Lind Elementary School, where Leila was a student, schoolmates made cards and hung purple and pink ribbons in the third-grader’s memory — a young girl known for her bright smile and friendly way. There was extra security at the school to give parents and students a sense of safety. Counselors were brought in to help everyone deal with their grief.
“The kids are obviously upset,” Superintendent Mark Campbell said. “A lot of people are hurting right now. The beauty of them all being here together is that we’re able to share, communicate and try to heal as much as possible.”
Fear Grips community
“It’s so unsettling not to know who this person is, if this person knows somebody in this area or if it was a random person who ended up in this area, we just don’t know,” parent Paula Stevens said.
The community is grieving for Leila, but also for her entire family, especially the brother who found her. “My heart goes out to the parents of course, but I pray to God the little boy will be all right,” parent Linette Tillery said.
Valley Springs is a community of about 2,500 people in an unincorporated area of Calaveras County, known as “Gold Country,” in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 60 miles southeast of Sacramento.
A Memorial Fund has been set up for Leila Fowler at F&M Bank of Central California. Please mail all donations to:
F&M Bank
18836 E. Main Street
Linden, CA 95236
Questions: (209) 887-2299
Routing # 1211 08441
Acct# 421934101