CNN
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Authorities have arrested a man accused of killing an eight-year-old girl whose body was found in his central California home nearly six months ago, Lt. Joe Perez said at a news conference Sunday.
Investigators found the body of Sophia Mason at the home of her mother’s boyfriend, Dhante Jackson, in Merced during a search for an 8-year-old girl who went missing in March, officials said. Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office previously announced Jackson’s arrest Saturday in a news release.
Perez said investigators found Mason was malnourished, suffered constant physical abuse and was forced to live in a shed in Jackson’s backyard.
Hayward police were called to a “report of a missing juvenile at risk” on March 8 by a family member, who was not identified in the affidavit. Detectives began investigating Mason’s disappearance and, within two days, arrested Mason’s mother, Samantha Johnson, after it was “determined” there was probable cause for “bodily injury to a child,” Hayward officials said.
“Merced PD has since added a manslaughter charge against Johnson in addition to the bodily harm and obstructing an officer’s investigation charges filed by Hayward PD,” the city of Hayward said in a statement.
The manhunt for Jackson began not long after authorities charged Johnson, Perez said.
“Detectives acted quickly on evidence to track down Jackson’s location, but he had the help of several people to assist and evade capture,” Perez said.
According to Perez, hundreds of hours of analyzing and deciphering electronic forensic records were “huge” for the case. Police also used more than 20 search warrants to help obtain evidence related to the case, Perez added.
Jackson also had several female acquaintances who provided him with money, housing and transportation to help him hide, Perez said. Those women have since been charged, Perez added.
Perez said all the hard work “finally paid off” when authorities found Jackson in Newark, Calif., on Saturday and took him into custody.
Jackson was arrested Saturday in Newark after a month-long manhunt and investigation led by the Merced Police Department with assistance from the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Task Force and the Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit, according to the office of Bonta.
It is unclear if Jackson has an attorney at this time. CNN has reached out to the Merced County public defender’s office for more information.
“In my 20 years of law enforcement, this case is the most disturbing and horrifying I have ever seen. To know what that poor little angel went through at the hands of pure evil breaks my heart,” Perez said, standing next to a photo of Sofia.
Bonta, who was also present at Sunday’s news conference, thanked all the departments that worked to capture Jackson.
“Let today serve as a reminder: when a horrific crime like this is committed, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is served. We will continue to pursue you, until you are caught,” Bonta said.
