The 14-year-old half brother of nine-year-old Katelynn Arnold has been charged with murder in connection with the hanging death in Ragland last night.

St. Clair County Sheriff Terry Surles said the foster mother of the two juveniles left in her vehicle to search for Katelynn, and returned to find her hanging from a cotton rope that was previously used to hang a tire swing with her feet touching the ground.

Sheriff Surles said the call came in to emergency dispatch at 8:10 p.m. Thursday.

After being questioned, the 14-year-old was taken into custody at 5 a.m. Friday.  He is currently being held in juvenile detention in Anniston.

Surles said there were “no racial indications” in regard to the death. “People have brought that up. I don’t know why they brought that up.”

The juvenile has already had his initial hearing. Surles said it was too early to determine if the 14-year-old will be tried as an adult.

Both students attended Ragland schools. Surles said counselors and school officials have dealt with the situation well considering the circumstances.