Craig Michael Wood, 45, an elementary school coach was charged with first degree murder, child kidnapping on Wednesday after he abducted a 10 year old girl named Hailey Owens.
Witnesses say that Owens was walking along a street around 5 p.m. when a truck pulled alongside her. At first, the girl ignored the driver, and then began to talk to him. Wood’s then pulled her inside his truck. He was pursued by witnesses by foot, and car.
Prosecutor Dan Patterson from Green County said in a news conference, "To apprehend this offender in just over three hours is a remarkable response. It is a tragedy that it was not quick enough to save Hailey. But I don't believe there is anything else they could have done in this case,” according to Reuters.
Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams said that Wood had drag charges from past cases, but nothing like this. He continued on to say that, "It's tragic, it's horrific. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, in a blink of any eye,” according to FoxNews.
Authorities found a female body in Wood’s home with marks on her skin, and a bullet wound to the head.
The 45 year old was a middle school football coach at Pleasant View K-8 School.