Authorities say the Highland County girl died from blunt force trauma.
Authorities have released the preliminary autopsy results for a 5-year-old child who was found dead, Sunday. According to Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward, Jada Beth Williams died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma to the head, face, and neck.
He says detectives recovered a scythe from the home during the initial search. The scythe, which is a tool used to cut high grass or weeds, is believed to be the murder weapon.
Preliminary findings did not reveal signs of sexual assault, but additional testing is still being completed.
The suspect, 18-year-old Matthew Kaleb Pierson, is the uncle of Williams. He's been charged with murder and bond has been set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing was set for August 23rd, at 10 am.
The case is still under active investigation and will be presented to an upcoming session of the grand jury.