Quote:An illegal immigrant from Guatemala is the main suspect in the murder of an 11-year-old Texas girl who was found dead in her home on Saturday.

Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez, 18, who had illegally entered into the US through El Paso in January, is believed to have allegedly strangled and sexually assaulted the young girl, according to the Pasadena Police Department. The victim, Maria Gonzalez, was found dead under her bed by her father, Carmelo Gonzalez, upon his return home from work, NewsNation reports.

Carmelo told law enforcement that Maria had sent him a text message saying that a stranger had been knocking on the door prior to her death. Family members reportedly went to check on her but they didn't notice anything amiss, according to the outlet.

Police announced that Garcia-Rodriguez remains at-large, and there is a multi-agency manhunt underway. Authorities are asking the public to come forward if they know the suspect's whereabouts.

According to police, Garcia-Rodriguez lived at the same apartment complex as the Gonzalez family. Officers located a key at the crime scene, which they believe is evidence that belongs to the suspect, whose DNA was swabbed at the scene.

Garcia-Rodriguez was granted release upon arrival in the United States due to having a sponsor located in Louisiana.

Around 3pm on August 12, Maria's father contacted the police, informing them that he had discovered his daughter's lifeless body beneath her bed.

The body had been placed inside a clothes hamper, which was then inserted into a trash bag, and concealed beneath a bed.

Medical personnel declared her deceased at the location.

Upon returning home from work, the girl's father, Carmelo Gonzalez, 32, came across her lifeless body. She had been subjected to sexual assault and had lost her life.

Initially, detectives stated that they lacked any suspects in the investigation. They urged individuals with information that could aid in apprehending the perpetrator of Maria's murder to step forward.

Department of Homeland Security sources told the network that authorities believe Garcia-Rodriguez may have fled to Mexico.

Since President Biden assumed office, approximately 2 million immigrants are waiting upcoming immigration court hearings. The chances of these individuals being deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are extremely slim.