SPRINGFIELD, MO (KTVI) – The Springfield police chief says the body of a young girl was found inside Craig Michael Wood’s home early Wednesday morning, but stopped short of positively identifying the child as missing Hailey Owens, 10.
Hailey went missing Tuesday afternoon after she was allegedly abducted by Wood while playing outside.
Woods was arrested several hours later. He has been charged with murder. The Springfield police chief says during their investigation, Wood refused to answer question.
Early Wednesday morning, police obtained a search warrant for Wood’s home and found the child’s body inside.
FOX 2 has learned that Wood was a paraprofessional, or teacher’s aide, in the Springfield School District. He also served as an athletic coach. District officials say Wood has worked for the district since 1998.
Superintendent Norm Ridder says Hailey was a student at Westport Elementary School while Wood worked at Pleasant View K-8 School.
“Students and staff at three of our schools are coping with this situation. To support these school communities directly impacted by this tragedy, I have assigned additional counseling staff and school police officers to be on hand until further notice,” Ridder said in a news release.