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Homicide investigation launched after body of girl, 12, is found

By the CNN Wire Staff
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The body of Kayleah Wilson, 12, was identified through dental records.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Kayleah Wilson case is now a homicide investigation
  • Girl, 12, disappeared in March on way to birthday party at friend's house
  • Her body was found Wednesday in a ditch a few miles away
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(CNN) -- Investigators in Colorado have identified a body found this week as that of a 12-year-old girl who disappeared while walking to a birthday party in March.

Kayleah Wilson's body was identified through dental records, Greeley Police Chief Jerry Garner said. Her body was found in an irrigation ditch a mile from where she was last seen, he said.

A coroner said her death was not accidental, and a homicide investigation is under way, the chief said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation are assisting police in Greeley, a city of about 90,000 roughly 50 miles north of Denver.

Wilson disappeared while walking to a friend's birthday party in her neighborhood March 28.

Investigators have recovered evidence at several locations, Garner said.

"We need info," he said. "Even if it seems trivial or like something we already know, we need everything we can get."

A $10,000 reward was offered in the search, and a $25,000 reward is now being offered for information.

The community is upset by confirmation of the worst but glad for closure.

"It's devastating ... but it's a relief to know that she's found," said Cindy Rogers, a Wilson family friend. "Now the community, family, we can put her to rest. She's going home."