Authorities have identified the body of the 12-year-old girl found in a recycling bin in Borough Hall in Clayton, New Jersey as Autumn Pasquale. Pasquale was reported missing on October 20 and her body was discovered two days later.
Authorities have not confirmed any cause of death as the body is still undergoing autopsy at the Gloucester County Medical Examiner. There are no named suspects since authorities say investigation is in its initial ongoing stages. So far, according to the police, nearly 75 people have been interviewed, including all registered sex-offenders in the locality.
After news of Pasquale's disappearance, many locals volunteered in a search for the young girl.
Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton said at a news conference on Tuesday, "The search for Autumn is over... If someone is found responsible for the death, they don't deserve to be walking the streets," according to the Seattle Times.
Dalton went on to say, "This is a very sad day for the Pasquale family...Our hearts go out to the family and to all the residents of Clayton who stood together in support of this young girl," as reported by CBS News.
Paul Spadofora, uncle of Pasquale, told the residents, "There's evil everywhere, even in the small town of Clayton," as reported by the Seattle Times.
Pasquale was last seen on Saturday after leaving the house of her friend, 11-year-old DeAnna Edwards-McMillen at 8:00 pm. Her family raised concern after she missed her curfew by an hour. Pasquale would have turned 13 on October 29.
