The death of Nalani Johnson, who was abducted Saturday in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is expected to be ruled as a homicide, authorities said Thursday.
Nalani, who would have turned 2 years old in September, was found dead Tuesday in a park in Indiana County. There were no visible signs of trauma.
Sharena Nancy, who authorities said had been romantically involved with the child's father, remains in custody in Allegheny County. She's charged with kidnapping of a minor, custodial interference and concealment of the whereabouts of a child, all felonies.
No one has been charged in Nalani's death.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said Thursday afternoon evidence reveals the woman who abducted Nalani was the only person involved in the toddler's death.
"Well, I'm really not permitted to speak as to motive, but there's a lot of people. There's a lot of questions that still need to be answered," Zappala said.
Zappala said Nalani was found dead while she was still buckled in a car seat, but he suspects she was killed before being dropped off in a remote wooded area.
"We sincerely appreciate all the effort that was put into this, but I don't think any effort that was undertaking after Saturday, would have saved that child's life," he said.
Officials involved in the investigation, including Zappala and Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty, met Wednesday afternoon to discuss the case and how to proceed.
In a joint statement, Zappala and Dougherty's offices said the following Thursday morning:
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
