A tragic discovery in Alabama has led to a homicide investigation following the death of a 10-year-old girl known for her “bright and joyful” demeanor. Late on Friday night, authorities found the body of Katheryn Bigbee inside a home, setting off a case that now sees a juvenile facing murder charges.

The Piedmont Police Department located Katheryn’s body less than an hour after she was reported missing, according to AL.com. Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson stated, “Officers responded immediately to the residence,” where they sadly found the young girl deceased.

Details regarding the exact location of the home where Katheryn was found, or whether it was her own residence, have not been released by law enforcement. The juvenile, whose identity and connection to Katheryn have been kept confidential due to their age, has been charged with murder.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Katheryn’s family, as questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Katheryn Bigbee’s untimely death. Police have yet to determine her cause of death, with the investigation still underway.

It is unclear whose home Katheryn Bigbee, 10, body was discovered in. A GoFundMe was created for her family. (GoFundMe)

Bigbee’s cause of death also remains unclear, with police saying the investigation was still ongoing.

“Our family has been torn to pieces, and we have lost the most amazing, sweetest little girl. She was a light in any room she walked into,” Blake Trammell, who is in a relationship with Katheryn’s mother, wrote in a Facebook post. “I cannot express the pain, guilt, and emptiness that has come from all of this. We don’t have answers, only more questions.”

As a result of the investigation, police said that another juvenile has been taken into custody and charged with murder. (Blake Trammell/Facebook)

The girl’s school also recalled her as a beloved student, remembered for her “spunky personality.”

“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,” the school said in a statement.

Katheryn Bigbee, 10, was found dead by Piedmont police Friday night. (Katheryn O’Dell/Facebook)

Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown told AL.com on Sunday that he was unable to release a cause of death.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the coroner’s office and Piedmont Police Department for updated comment. 

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