(AP) — A registered sex offender has been indicted on murder charges in the death of an 11-year-old Maryland girl whose body was found on Christmas day.

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said Tuesday that 30-year-old Thomas Leggs Jr. has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Sarah Foxwell, whose body was found in a wooded area.

Lewis also said prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Leggs.

Leggs was initially charged with kidnapping and burglary after the girl was abducted from her home on the night of Dec. 22.

The sheriff said the delay in bringing murder charges was because investigators were compelled to be "methodical and deliberate in everything we did" to bring the strongest possible case.

Yanks look to close out Boston ... Warmer days on the way ... PSEG 'time of day' pricing Credit: Newsday

Gilgo Beach killer's chilling admissions ... Deadly shooting in Suffolk ... On the campaign trail with Blakeman ... Carle Place revitalization

Yanks look to close out Boston ... Warmer days on the way ... PSEG 'time of day' pricing Credit: Newsday

Gilgo Beach killer's chilling admissions ... Deadly shooting in Suffolk ... On the campaign trail with Blakeman ... Carle Place revitalization

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME