Man to be arraigned in rape, death of Ohio girl, 9

AP

WOOSTER, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man is set to be arraigned on charges in the rape and strangulation of a 9-year-old girl found dead in a trash bin at the trailer park where they were neighbors.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office says 24-year-old Jerrod Metsker will be arraigned Thursday on charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping and rape.

Records for the county court do not list a current attorney for Metsker.

Authorities say he was the last person seen with Reann Murphy at their trailer park in Smithville, southwest of Akron. A caller identifying himself as Metsker reported Reann missing in a 911 call.

Her body was found Dec. 15. Metsker was arrested later that day.

Authorities have said the death penalty would be available as punishment if Metsker is convicted of murder.