WALKER, MN (KFGO) - A Coon Rapids man suspected of kidnapping and killing his co-worker’s 5 year-old daughter over the weekend has been charged with murder.
25 year-old Zachary Anderson faces second-degree murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and vehicle theft charges in the death of Alayna Ertl.
The girl was reported missing Saturday morning from her home in Watkins. Her parents said Anderson, a family friend, took her after staying at their home Friday night. He also was accused of taking a truck belonging to Ertl’s father.
Tips led investigators to Cass County, about 70 miles north of the Ertl home. They found the missing truck at a cabin owned by Anderson’s family.
Anderson led investigators to Ertl’s body, which was found in a swamp near Motley.