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Suspect Arrested In Murder Of 10-Year-Old Cecil County Girl

PORT DEPOSIT, Md. (WJZ) — New developments in the heartbreaking death of a 10-year-old girl. A family friend has just been charged with raping and killing her.

Kai Jackson has the latest from police.

This arrest in Cecil County is a huge development, but the homicide unit at Maryland State Police says the investigation is far from over.

There's been a major break in the case of 10-year-old Kami Ring. Marlyand State Police say they've arrested 29-year-old Richard Madden and charged him with murdering and raping the young girl.

"At this point, police are doing all they can to close this investigation," said Elena Russo, Maryland State Police.

Kami Ring went missing from a house on Waibel Road in Port Deposit. She was from Charlestown, Maryland, about 10 miles away. She was last seen Sunday night as she went to bed.

On Monday around 11 a.m., she was reported missing and the family called police. By 6:20 that night, police found Kami dead in a field across the street.

Newly released autopsy results reveal that Kami died from blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

On Wednesday, family and friends held a vigil.

"But I thank every, each and every one of you guys for being here tonight, for your support," said Rick Dean, victim's stepfather.

The homeowners were family friends who were like grandparents to Kami, though police say she was not related to them.

Police say the screen in Kami's bedroom window was open and the screen was gone.

Richard Madden, who police arrested, is the homeowners' son.

"I just want everybody to know how wonderful she was," said Brittany Dotson, Boys and Girls Club.

Maryland State Police say Madden was one of three people living in that home. So far, they have not released a motive in the case.

Police say Madden was already in jail for violating his probation, stemming from drug charges.

He was being held at the Cecil County Detention Center.

Kami's funeral is set for Monday at noon at Crouch Funeral Home. Visitation hours will be Monday, 9 a.m. to noon.

The Boys and Girls Club of Cecil County will be handling all expressions of sympathy and is helping Kami's family with expenses.

Donations can be made to:  Boys and Girls Club of Cecil County, 101 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921, marking Kami Ring Fund in the memo line.

You can also express your condolences here.

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