The Ohio man suspected in the death of 9-year-old Reann Murphy is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, CBS News reported.

Jerrod Metsker, 24, faces charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping, and rape.

Just a few hours after Murphy was declared missing on Dec. 15, her body was discovered in a trash can in the trailer park where both Metsker and the Murphy family lived.

Authorities eventually learned that the first person to call 911 about the girl's disappearance was Metsker himself, who was initially hesitant to identify himself.

As Metsker spoke with police, he identified Murphy as "a little girl, Reann" and said he didn't know how old she was. When they asked for his name, he said he heard a knock at his door and then handed the phone to the someone else.

If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Metsker is currently being held on $1 million bail.

Last Sunday, people in the girl's community held a vigil. Richard Murphy, the girl's father, also spoke about his daughter's death.

"She's the best thing that ever happened to me ... this is the hardest thing I've ever been through in my life," he said.

In The Daily Record, the grieving father added "all she did was love people" and wanted the "worst for the guy" who is responsible.

Paula Watts, the girl's cousin, said she "can't believe somebody would do this to her. I can't believe anyone would do it to any child, but she's amazing, the most friendliest little girl you ever met."

Residents of the trailer park say the area has been safe and never experiences such violent crimes. Marilyn Briggs, a neighbor of the Murphy's, said she was frightened by the incident.

"It sickens me and I'm so sad for the family, and this close to Christmas," Briggs said. "It's just awful. You never think something like that is going to happen in your area."