Body of girl gone missing at football game found in creek

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. -- The death of a 7-year-old girl whose body was found in an Allen County creek is being handled as a homicide, according to Kentucky State Police.

In a statement, state police said Gabriella Doolin was reported missing around 7:40 p.m. Saturday by her mother while they were at a football game at Allen County-Scottsville High School.

A search began immediately. Police said Doolin's body was found at 8:05 p.m. in a creek in a wooded area behind the high school.

Police say a tip led them to the area where the girl's body was found, CBS affiliate WKYT reports.

Police say an autopsy conducted Sunday confirmed that the girl's death was a homicide. A police statement says further details from the autopsy couldn't be immediately released.

Meanwhile, media outlets reported that hundreds of people in the community attended a candlelight vigil on Sunday night in downtown Scottsville to show support for her family.

"I've never endured anything like this," said her father, Brian Doolin. "All I want to do is hold my baby."

He stood with his arms around Gabriella's mother, Amy, and brother, Alec, who both held candles.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports the girl's death rocked the community, which has about 4,300 residents.

"We have children who go to school with the Doolins. The kids in school know them," Cathy Celsor of Scottsville told the newspaper. "It's just like our community is broken. There are no words for something this horrific."

Angie Patrick and Natasha Tuck said they came to offer support the family.

"My husband knows Brian and my daughter is in Gabby's class," Patrick said.

Tuck said she came to show love and support.

"We're praying for them," she said.