Breeann Rodriguez's Body Found in Ditch

Authorities in Missouri believe they have found the remains of Breeann Rodriguez, the 3-year-old girl who went missing on Aug. 6.

Prosecutors and law enforcement officials released a joint statement Tuesday night stating that girl's body was found near a series of ditches some eight miles southeast of her home in Senath, Mo., according to The Associated Press.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol officer searching by boat found the remains.

"We appreciate all the help and support from the community in what has been a difficult time for all," Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder said in the statement. "We are saddened to confirm our fears but glad we have been able to recover her for her parents."

Authorities said the girl's parents were notified shortly after the body was found.

Breeann was last seen alive riding her tiny pink bike with training wheels.

Police have said her neighbor Shawn Morgan, 43, admitted to suffocating her after finding her near his backyard pool.

Morgan had an initial appearance in court on Tuesday and he is facing a murder charge. He will return to court on Aug. 30.