Missing Meeker County girl found dead north of Motley

The body of a 5-year-old girl abducted from Meeker County, Minnesota was located in Cass County, Minnesota Saturday afternoon.

An Amber Alert was issued for Alayna Jeanne Ertl Saturday morning. She is believed to have been abducted by family friend 26-year-old Zachary Todd Anderson.

"The body of Alayna Ertl has been recovered," said Meeker County Sheriff Brian Cruze. "This now has moved into a homicide investigation. Our suspect is in custody and the vehicle has been located."

Anderson was arrested in Cass County. 

According to investigators, Anderson was staying overnight at Ertl's mother's home in Watkins Friday night.

Alayna Ertl was put to bed at 2 a.m. Saturday, according to authorities. The mother said her daughter and Anderson were gone at 8 a.m. 

A phone in the stolen truck was pinged at 9 a.m. in Todd County.

Anyone with information should still call the Meeker County Sheriff's Office at 320-693-5400. An investigation is active.