Suspect arrested in abduction, murder of 10-year-old Mo. girl

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with the abduction of a 10-year-old girl on Tuesday, CBS affiliate KOLR reports.

Police Chief Paul Williams identified the suspect as Craig Michael Wood, who was booked on charges of first-degree murder, according to online jail records.

At a 6:30 press conference Wednesday morning, Williams would not confirm claims, reported to KOLR by a friend of the victim’s family, that Hailey’s family says the search is no longer necessary and that the girl's body has been found.

Wood is accused of kidnapping Hailey Owens while she was walking near her home in Springfield, Mo. at about 4:50 p.m. Tuesday. Police say a white male, possibly driving a gold Ford Ranger pick-up, grabbed the girl and drove off. A multi-state Amber Alert was issued around 7 p.m. that night, with roughly 30 officers collecting evidence at the scene.

Acting on a tip, officers found the suspect’s vehicle at a house in Springfield, Williams said. Investigators searching the house found evidence of foul play, but would not specify further.

Police say they believe Hailey’s abduction was random and that she did not know the suspect.

Wood has previous criminal history. He pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in 1990 and was given a suspended execution of his sentence after completing court-ordered drug counseling programs, according to online court records.