Girl found 'brutally murdered' at home after texting mother about someone knocking at door
'I’ve never seen anything this brutal in my entire career,' says police sergeant investigating killing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 12-year-old girl was "brutally murdered" in her house after texting her mother to tell her there was someone knocking at the door.
Yhoana Arteaga was found bludgeoned to death in her family's mobile home with her clothing "in disarray", police said.
Detectives believe the killer may have been known to the girl, who was on crutches after being injured roller-skating the previous day, but they have few leads.
There was no evidence of forced entry to the trailer in Nashville, Tennessee.
"This is a horrible, brutal thing. I’ve never seen anything this brutal in my entire career," said Sergeant David Kautzman, of Nashville Police Department.
Yhoana was last seen by her mother at 12.30pm on August 10. She was left at home alone and sent a text at 5.30pm saying someone was at the door.
She was found dead when her mother returned home from work with two of her other children at 6.45pm.
The girl had suffered blunt force trauma to her body, police spokesman Don Aaron told a press conference. She had not been shot or stabbed.
Despite police appeals investigators said they have "very limited" information to follow up, reported news channel WKRN.
“She was brutally murdered, and if anyone has any information whatsoever that could help in this investigation, please contact us,” Mr Aaron said.
"We believe there are persons in this community who have knowledge of a person who may be responsible for this.
"Please, for the family’s sake, for the sake of this 12-year-old deceased girl, let us know."
He said the absence of signs of forced entry "would seem to indicate she would know the person responsible".
"We haven’t confirmed that yet, but it’s a good possibility,” the spokesman added.
Officers have been questioning neighbours about any suspicious activity in the area. A detective said police had some persons of interest but declined to elaborate.
Yhoana's school, Liberty Collegiate Academy, paid tribute to the "treasured" seventh-grade pupil.
"Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss," the school said on Facebook.
"Our thoughts are with Yhoana’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Grief counsellors will be on site at Liberty next week to support teachers and students. We love you, Yhoana."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments