Kidnapped Orange County Girl Murdered

Samantha Runnion is dead, and the investigation into her kidnapping and murder continues.

Authorities say the body found in Cleveland National Forest yesterday is that of the five-year-old girl abducted from her Stanton townhome complex.

Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona says Runnion was found nude and appeared to have been sexually assaulted prior to her death. An autopsy is underway to analyze any forensic evidence that could help in the investigation.

Carona says FBI profilers believe the suspect may be a serial killer and a serial rapist, and could strike again.

FBI spokesman Richard Garcia adds the abductor may have left the body as a calling card, challenging authorities to find him.

Samantha´s body was found by two people on a hang-gliding outing in a field near Highway 74 on the edge of the forest, about 50 miles from where she was abducted.

Sheriff Carona urges the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.