PIEDMONT, AL – A late-night call about a missing child ended in tragedy Friday when officers arrived at a Piedmont home and found 10-year-old Katheryn Bigbee dead inside, prompting a murder charge against another juvenile and leaving a small Alabama community searching for answers. The case, involving two minors, has limited what officials can disclose as the investigation continues.
According to a news release from the Piedmont Police Department, officers “immediately” responded to an undisclosed address at 10:51 p.m. regarding a report of a missing child. Upon arrival, first responders located the young girl inside the residence. The Calhoun County Coroner’s Office later identified her as Katheryn Bigbee.
Juvenile suspect charged, details withheld
Police said a second juvenile has been taken into custody and charged with one count of murder. Officials have not released the suspect’s name or additional details, citing the ages of those involved and the active investigation.
“This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved and for our entire community,” Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson said in a statement. “We ask that you keep the family affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Authorities have not said how the killing occurred or what led up to the incident. No timeline beyond the initial response has been provided.
School and family mourn loss
The loss has reverberated through Piedmont Elementary School, where Katheryn was a student. In a Facebook post, the school described the impact of her death on classmates and staff.
“Our entire Piedmont Elementary School family is grieving as we remember a sweet little girl who brought smiles, kindness, and a bright light to our halls each day,” the post states. “Katheryn had a joyful, spunky personality that made her truly special. She was an enthusiastic reader and will be remembered for the happiness she shared so freely. She will always be a part of our school family, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved her.”
A relative, Blake Trammel, described the family’s grief in comments reported by the New York Post, writing that they had been “torn to pieces” by her death.
“She was a light in any room she walked into. I cannot express the pain, guilt, and emptiness that has come from all of this. We don’t have answers, only more questions,” he reportedly wrote.
Police have not indicated when additional information might be released.
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