Man Sought After Missing Child's Body Possibly Found In CA Home

HAYWARD, CA — Authorities were on the hunt for a central California man after a child's body was found inside his home Friday during the search for his girlfriend's 8-year-old daughter.

The body was found in the Merced home on Friday, just days after family members of Sophia Mason in the Bay Area city of Hayward reported her missing, the Hayward Police Department said in a statement.

Police launched a multi-county search for the girl after learning that she was known to stay at different homes between Hayward and Merced. During the search, authorities arrested the girl's mother, Samantha Johnson, 30, who was wanted for a case of child abuse in Alameda County last year, according to the Merced Police Department.

Police in Southern California attempted to knock on the door of the home in Merced twice, but there was no answer

Johnson's statements prompted police to serve a search warrant at the home in Merced, the residence of her boyfriend Dhante Jackson, 34.

The cause of death was not released and investigators were working to identify the body.

Police believe that Jackson went on the run after learning about the search warrant. A warrant for his arrest was issued and police say he is known to frequent the Bay Area. Meanwhile, Johnson was being held for investigation of murder and was set to be transferred to the Merced County Jail.

"We want the community to know we have worked tirelessly on this investigation and will continue to do all we can to ensure there is resolution in this matter and that justice is served," Hayward police said.