Fatal stabbing of 8-year old girl – Valley Springs

Leila Fowler, an eight year old was fatally stabbed in her home in Valley Springs on Saturday, April 29th during a break in. Both Leila and her brother were home alone in separate rooms on the day of the stabbing. Leila’s 12-year old brother found her with multiple injuries after the intruder had ran away. Fowler was pronounced dead on the same day at a local hospital.

A close by neighbor whom lives across the street from the Fowlers said the girl’s death has left him feeling uncertain. The community about an hour outside of Sacramento has been left shaken, many who kept their doors and vehicles unlocked are now locking up their doors for the first time. Valley Springs is a community of about 2,500 people.

Officials have not been able to identify the man. The attacker has only been described as wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and blue pants. He is a 6-foot-tall man with a muscular build. The suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous. Residents have been warned to lock their doors and be on high alert for any suspicious activity.

Today deputies from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s office have deployed outside of Jenny Lind Elementary in Valley Springs. As the search continues officials will be deployed around schools and bus stops. Outside of the victim’s school a class of sixth-graders have placed pink and purple ribbons outside in memory of Fowler, a third grader.

So far investigators have substantial amount of evidence that includes fingerprints and what they believe to be DNA evidence.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact a top line at 209-754-6030