Authorities believe the body found in a dumpster at the Tannery Arts Center Monday night is that of 8-year-old California girl Madyson Middleton.

While the case of the missing Middleton was already horrible enough, residents of Santa Cruz in California were further heart-broken when they found out that authorities have taken custody of a 15-year-old boy.

Like Us on Facebook

"It's awful. It's horrible. It's heart-breaking," Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel said.

The body has not been positively identified but Vogel was confident that it is Middleton.

Middleton vanished over the weekend and was last seen riding her scooter. She was with friends, the police said. No one saw her being taken by somebody.

On Monday, the Santa Cruz police conducted search operation and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation when hours of searching yielded negative results.

Authorities used watercraft and helicopters to search for the missing girl. Neighbors and groups also joined in the effort to locate Middleton.

At about 8 p.m. Monday, a body of a child was found in a dumpster near the housing center where Middleton lived. The police believe it is Middleton's.

A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody by the police for questioning. The boy's identity has not been revealed because he is a minor.

Details about the boy were not also available as of this posting. It was not known yet how the police arrived at the decision to take the boy in custody.

Authorities have also applied for a search warrant for an apartment at the same complex where Middleton lived. It was not clear if the apartment has been occupied by the 15-year-old boy.

Neighbors of the 8-year-old girl said they were horrified when the learned that Middleton's body had been found in a dumpster.

"Who in his right mind would do that?" one neighbor asked.

The parents of the victim have not issued a statement but the police said the couple has been cooperating in the investigation.

TagsMadyson Middleton, Missing Child