By Phil HelselNBC
News
A 12-year-old girl found walking alone on an Alabama highway Monday morning led to the discovery of two decomposing bodies in a nearby home and led to the arrest of a man accused of kidnapping the girl, authorities said. venues Tuesday in the city of Auburn.
The detainee, identified as José Paulino Pascual Reyes, 37, could also face first-degree murder charges.
José Paulino Pascual Reyes was arrested for kidnapping a girl for a week, but could face more charges. Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Department
The girl was found by a passerby at 8:30 a.m. on a minor road in Dadeville, according to Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett.
Police later discovered the bodies in a south Dadeville home.
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The sheriff avoided explaining the connection between Pascual Reyes and the minor, who had not previously been reported missing.
He also did not report the identities of the deceased or how they died.
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Local station WSFA, associated with NBC News in Montgomery, said court records indicate the girl was tied up and drugged with alcohol.
She remained kidnapped for nearly a week, and was beaten, according to local authorities.
She was able to escape from her after biting her restraints, according to the CNN news network.
The sheriff called the girl a "hero", adding that she had to face a "horrendous" situation.
The minor received medical attention and she is doing well, she added: "Now she is safe and we want her to stay that way."