HAYWARD, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – After a months-long search, the suspect in the murder of an eight-year-old Hayward girl was taken into custody over the weekend.
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Dhante Jackson was arrested on September 10 in Newark, CA, for the murder of Sophia Mason, 8.
The eight-year-old was found dead on March 11 by investigators after the Merced Police Department was asked to assist the Hayward Police Department in their investigation into her disappearance.
Samantha Johnson, Mason's mother, was already in custody in Dublin on 2021 child abuse charges. A day after Mason's body was found, Johnson told investigators that Mason had been the victim of all sorts of sexual and physical abuse before her death, including being forced to live in a shed in her backyard.
Johnson has since been charged with child abuse and homicide by the Merced County District Attorney's Office.
A search ensued for Jackson for months until he was found hiding in Newark. He is being charged with homicide.
"The pain of losing a child is unimaginable — especially when that child was a victim of abuse. We grieve with Sophia's family and loved ones, and acknowledge that she should be here with us now — playing, learning, and growing up," said Attorney General Rob Bonta in a statement on Saturday. "Our children should be protected from violence and we must do everything we can to safeguard them."
Four other suspects in the Bay Area are also being charged for helping Jackson avoid capture.
"Our hearts and thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of little Sophia; we cannot imagine your pain as you continue to mourn her loss," said the Merced Police Department in a statement over the weekend.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective John Pinnegar at (209)388-7712 or email pinnegarj@cityofmerced.org.
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