Niagara Falls, N.Y. (Buffalo News/AP) – A 5-year-old girl from Cheektowaga who was staying overnight with her great-grandmother was found dead Monday morning in a garbage can in an alley between Third and Fourth streets, police confirmed Monday afternoon.
Police charged 16-year-old John Robert Freeman with second-degree murder in the death of Isabella Sarah Tennant. Tyler Scott Best, 18, is charged with tampering with evidence in connection with the case.
The little girl was reported missing from the home of Sharon LaSalle just after midnight.
Freeman, a neighbor, who LaSalle told police was a “trusted, family friend" was allowed into the house Sunday night and Isabella was then left in his care when LaSalle went to bed at 10:30 p.m.
Police say Monday morning, Best came in to police headquarters and gave authorities information on the location of her body. He is accused of helping to move Isabella's body.
Police say there were signs of trauma on the little girl, but no indications that any weapons were involved. Police say the motive is still unknown.
