Grace Ross Bio/Wiki

A six-year-old girl named Grace Ross died of asphyxiation before being dumped in the woods, and a 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with her murder.

According to preliminary autopsy findings released on Monday, Grace Ross‘ cause of death was homicide by asphyxiation.

Age

She was 6 years old.

Died From Asphyxiation

According to CBS/Fox-affiliated television station WSBT, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office said further autopsy test reports are pending. The six-year-old girl’s body was discovered dead at around 8.25 p.m. on Friday in New Carlisle, Indiana.

Her body was found in nearby woods less than two hours after her family declared her missing.

14-Year-Old Boy Arrested

Following her death, a 14-year-old boy, who has not been identified due to his age, was arrested. He is a leading suspect in the death of the child.

According to the news site, the 14-year-old boy was ordered to stay in detention at a court hearing on Monday, and a new hearing date has been set for March 22.

Investigation

Grace’s death is still under investigation, and an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday, according to the South Bend Tribune.

Family

The six-year-old is survived by her mother, stepfather, father, paternal grandmother, maternal grandparents, and great grandparents, according to the obituary.

Grace’s death shocked the neighborhood, according to a neighbor who has lived near the family for 40 years.

Kim Huston said to WSBT: “Right at your back door, you just don’t anticipate anything like that ever happening in your area.

“You don’t realize in a moment’s notice, somebody realizing that their child’s gone and then have to hear what had happened at such a young age, it’s horrific.”

Fundraiser On Facebook

Nicole Ross, Grace’s aunt, launched a Facebook fundraiser for funeral expenses, which had raised more than $29,000 as of Tuesday morning, coming close to the $30,000 target.