The Latest: Missing child reported kidnapped found dead

BLAIRSVILLE, Pa. — The Latest on the search for a missing girl authorities allege was kidnapped by a woman as her father tried to remove the child from the defendant’s car (all times local):

7:45 p.m.

Authorities say the body of a missing toddler reported kidnapped near Pittsburgh over the weekend has been found in a park in a neighbouring county.

Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty said the body of Nalani Johnson, who was to turn 2 this month, was found Tuesday in Pine Ridge Park in Blairsville, about 37 miles (60 kilometres) east of Penn Hills, where authorities allege the girl was kidnapped.

Dougherty said an autopsy would be performed Wednesday to determine the cause and manner of death.

Twenty-five-year-old Sharena Islam Nancy, who authorities say had been romantically involved with the child’s father, remains in custody in Allegheny County on kidnapping and other felony charges.

Dougherty, referring to Nancy, said “We believe that she is involved. To what extent, that is still being determined.” But he said officials believe there is no danger to the community.

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1:45 p.m.

Police say the father of a missing toddler and a woman driving him had been romantically involved and there was an argument before authorities allege she took off with the child.

Allegheny County Police Superintendent Coleman McDonough says 25-year-old Sharena Islam Nancy and the father of Nalani Johnson met on social media and were “in the beginnings of an intermittent romantic relationship.”

McDonough says Nancy and the father’s friend argued and the men got out of the car Saturday in Penn Hills before authorities allege she drove off with the child.

Nancy, charged with kidnapping of a minor, alleges the father “sold” the child to a woman she then met at a roadside rendezvous, but McDonough said investigators “have nothing to … suggest that that version of events is correct.”

The Associated Press