West Jordan police on Thursday continued investigating the slaying of a 6-year-old girl whose body was found Tuesday morning in a canal about a block from her home.
Sierra Newbold's death has been ruled a homicide, and police said the autopsy showed evidence that she was sexually assaulted.
"Our investigators are at this moment following up on all available leads and every aspect of this case," said Sgt. Drew Sanders in a Thursday afternoon press release. "Our highest priority remains to identify, arrest, and successfully prosecute the person or persons responsible for this crime."
West Jordan Police Chief Doug Diamond had said during a Wednesday news conference: "There's obviously a predator out there. Unfortunately, we have people out there who are monsters."
Diamond said no one had been ruled out as a suspect, including members of the girl's family.
He said there was no reason for people to panic, but urged them to lock doors and windows, and keep an eye on children when they are outside. Police presence in the area of the victim's home, near 2400 West and 7100 South, has been increased as a precaution, Diamond said.
Sierra's body was found by an officer about 8 a.m. Tuesday. The discovery occurred about 30 minutes after the girl's mother reported her missing. Police said there were no obvious signs of a break-in at the residence.
At the time the mother called police, her husband had already left for work, DiaÂmond said, but a younger sister and an older brother were home.
Police have confirmed that surveillance video at the Newbold home captured images, but they declined to elaborate. With the Newbold family's cooperation, police obtained a search warrant to search their home.
Police were withholding information about how long Sierra had been dead before police found her body, the cause of her death, how she might have ended up in the canal and if they recovered DNA evidence.
Mailboxes, trees and street signs in Sierra's neighborhood were covered in ribbons of her favorite colors, pink and purple. Near her home were two makeshift memorials that included stuffed animals, flowers and a purple butterfly bearing the words: "Fly with the angels, Sierra! We love you."
At nearby West Jordan Elementary School, where Sierra was supposed to start first grade, someone had written "Sierra" on a fence in pink, purple and white ribbons next to a large heart, also fashioned from ribbons.
A fund has been set up to help pay Sierra's funeral costs. Those wishing to donate can do so at any America First branch under Sierra Newbold's name.
Police are asking anyone with information about Sierra's death to call them at 801-256-2211.
