Neighbor Charged with Murder

James Lee Troutman, 24, of 203 Chestnut St. in Souderton, was charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as kidnapping and sexual assault charges, in connection with the found body of 9-year-old Skyler Kauffman, of the same address (an apartment complex).

Evidence included Troutman's confession of choking the victim and hitting her head against the floor. Kauffman died of asphyxiation and blunt-force trauma, according to reports.

An Amber Alert was called last night, when Kauffman's parents did not see her at dinner. She had been playing, according to police, with friends in the apartment complex's parking lot.

According to reports, blood was found in the basement of the complex. Kauffman's body was found in the complex's trash container wrapped in a blanket.

Souderton School District representatives have said that students will have access to counselors and professionals this week to cope with the loss. The community is hosting a 7 p.m. vigil at 203 Chestnut St. to honor the child.

More information on the case will be posted as it becomes available to Lansdale Patch. See the video clips at right for more information.