Missing Keansburg Girl, 11, Found Dead

KEANSBURG, NJ — The 11-year-old missing Keansburg girl has been found dead, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced via Twitter at about 1 p.m. Thursday.

Abbiegail or "Abbie" Smith, who lives on Hancock Street with her mother, went missing from her home Wednesday night, police said. She was last seen in her apartment at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday. She was noticed missing at approximately 8:50 p.m.

She was found dead near the apartment where she lived, authorities said.

"The missing 11-year-old Keansburg, New Jersey girl was found dead this morning following an extensive search," the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

"The investigation into the death is active and ongoing at this time.#MCPONJ Detective Wayne Raynor is seeking any information about the case. He can be reached at 1-800-533-7443. Anyone who wishes to make an anonymous report can call the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers’ confidential tip-line at 1-800-671-4400. Tipsters can also text “MONMOUTH” and their tip to 274637 or they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com."

New updates here: Disbelief, Anger In Keansburg After Girl Found Buried In Her Backyard

NBC News is sharing a live helicopter feed of law enforcement officers searching a property for the missing girl.

Keansburg police sent out the alert about Abbie's disappearance Thursday morning, asking people to share it widely to help find her. She was about 4 feet tall and weighed 85 pounds. Abbie had a long scar on her one leg. Keansburg police referred all calls to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, which is now leading the investigation into her disappearance and death.

Beyond confirming her death, spokesman for the prosecutor said he had no further information to release at this time.