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Manhunt Under Way for Girl's Killer

Investigators Searching for Suspect

Posted: 4:19 am EDT June 27, 2005Updated: 3:06 pm EDT June 27, 2005

Police asked for the public's help on Monday in finding a suspect who is wanted in the kidnapping, molestation and murder of a 4-year-old Hall County girl.

Cornelio Rivera Zamites

The body of Esmerelda Nava was found Sunday morning, seven hours after she was reported missing by her parents. Hall County law enforcement authorities have identified Cornelio Rivera Zamites, 24, a roofing man from Vera Cruz, Mexico as the prime suspect in the girl's killing.

Authorities have obtained murder, kidnapping and child molestation warrants for Zamites' arrest. Investigators said at least 11 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have been involved in the case.

On Monday, officials said they suspect the man, an undocumented day laborer, may be trying to return to Mexico.

"The indication is that he's a bad person in general," Sheriff Steve Cronic said, referring to unconfirmed reports that the suspect had legal issues in Mexico.

All states between Georgia and Mexico have been put on alert for the suspect, who has no known family in the United States or no regular place of employment. He is also known as "Revolver."

On Sunday, the father of the slain girl appealed for help from the public, too.

"If you know the guy you're seeing on TV, please call the police," said Jesus Lopez.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the 911 call came in around 1 a.m. from Pratt Reece Road in a rural area of single-story houses and trailers about five miles from where the Navas lived in Gainesville.

Friends told the newspaper that Jesus Nava, his wife, Veronica, and their daughter had arrived earlier Saturday evening to visit Zamites.

Esmerelda Nava

The body of Esmerelda Nava was found in a forest in Hall County.

The child, barely 3 feet tall and 40 pounds, was playing near her parents and seen last at 11:45 p.m. when she left the home of neighbor Maribel Rodriguez, where she had gone to get a glass of water and use the bathroom, the AJC reported.

Around midnight, the girl's mother noticed she was missing, and a search began for the child.

Authorities launched a massive ground search which ended about six hours later when they found the girl's body in the woods behind a house.

Deputies ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Zamites to contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office at 770-536-8812.

wsbtv.com Staff Writer Alfred Charles and Channel 2 Action News reporters Jeff Dore and Joyce Oscar contributed to this report.

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