The disappearance of 9-year-old Reann Murphy was originally called in to police by the man currently suspected in her death, The Houston Chronicle reported.
Jerrod Metsker, 24, not only called authorities about Murphy's disapperance on Saturday but was also the last person seen with her in the Smithville trailer park they both lived in.
As Metsker spoke with police, he identified Murphy as "a little girl, Reann" and claimed to not know her age. When they asked for his name, he said he heard a knock at his door and then handed the phone to the girl's stepfather.
Just five hours after she was reported missing, Murphy's body was found in a trash bin. Wayne County Sheriff Travis Hutchinson did not say how she was killed or offer possible motives.
On Sunday night, people in the girl's community held a vigil. Richard Murphy, the girl's father, tried to speak but was overcome with emotion.
"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."
