The search for a missing Pennsylvania toddler came to a tragic end on Tuesday when law enforcement officials found the little girl deceased at an Indiana County park.
CBS Pittsburgh reports that while autopsy results are not yet available, investigators on the scene at Pine Ridge Park told local reporters that they suspect 1-year-old Nalani Johnson may have died from dehydration.
Authorities reportedly found the little girl still in her car seat in a wooded area of the park. Her body showed no signs of trauma, the outlet reports.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Nalani’s father, Paul Johnson, reported her missing Saturday after accused kidnapper, Sharena Nancy, allegedly fled in her car with the girl.
Johnson called 911 at a little after 5 p.m. on Saturday and said his daughter and his friend Justin Rouse were in the car with him as he rode with Nancy in her black Toyota Yaris.
According to police, an argument broke out inside the vehicle. Nancy demanded the men get out of her car, but she allegedly fled the scene before Johnson could get Nalani out of the vehicle. It’s unclear what the argument was about, but police said Johnson and Nancy were in an “intermittent” romantic relationship.
Nancy has been charged with concealment of whereabouts of a child, interference with custody, and kidnapping. Additional charges may follow, pending the results of an autopsy.
As of now, no one else has been charged in connection with the little girl’s disappearance and death, but court paperwork obtained by CBS Pittsburgh reveal Johnson has been accused of prior violence.
Nancy’s neighbor, Nikki Zielinski, told the outlet that she heard Paul and Nancy arguing often. She also said Nancy seemed “not right.”
“Just the way that she would carry herself, you just know when somebody is not right. You just have that feeling or that vibe.”
On Tuesday evening, Indiana County District Attorney, Patrick Dougherty, held a brief conference and ensured the public that authorities are working to bring the “individuals” involved in the child’s death to justice.
“Make no mistake, we are working very hard to ensure the individuals involved are brought to justice,” Dougherty said.
The story continues to develop. Check back for further details.
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[Feature Photo: Nalani Johnson/Police Handout]
