Teens Being Questioned in the Murder of Autumn Pasquale
A criminal investigation is now underway to find the person or people responsible for the death of Autumn Pasquale. Today police confirm both the 12-year old and her bike were found on the same property, and are questioning two neighborhood residents.
6abc.com reports that the pre-teen girl was found dead in a recycling bin at a home on E. Clayton Avenue, not far from where she lived.
A white bicycle matching the description of Pasquale's BMX was located at the same residence. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office says their missing person search ended at 10:00 p.m. Monday night. The house belongs to a woman and her two sons.
According to NJ.com, police are investigating two teens in connection with the murder. The site says the two live next door to where the body was found. Authorities will not confirm if any arrests have been made or if Autumn died at that residence, or if her body was placed there.
Clayton Police Chief Dennis Marchei said in a recent press conference:
"Justice will be served. This will not happen in our town."
An autopsy is being performed as Autumn's family, friends, classmates, and the entire Clayton community struggle to comfort each other and make sense of a senseless crime.
Pasquale turned up missing after she left her home around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20 and failed to return home by her 8 p.m. curfew. Hundred of law enforcement and volunteer searches combed Clayton and surrounding areas hoping to find the girl, who would have soon turned 13, safe.
Autumn Pasquale, a girl with her whole life ahead of her, is now just a memory.