Suspects in girl's murder to face judge

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Five-year-old Isabella Tennant's body was found in a Niagara Falls alleyway, just hours after she was reported missing Monday morning.  Loved ones describe Isabella as a friendly girl who could brighten anyone’s day.

One family friend said, “She loves everyone. She’s so friendly and has the biggest heart in the world.”

Bella, as she was known to her family and friends, was spending the night at her great grandmother’s home on 6th Street in Niagara Falls while her mother worked. Police believe the great grandmother went to bed around 10:30 p.m., leaving Bella in the care of 16-year-old neighbor John Freeman, someone those closest to the Tennant family say she knew and trusted.

In Memoriam | PHOTOS: Remembering Isabella "Bella" Sarah Tennant

Family friend Thomas Herrick described the relationship Freeman had with the family, “He's been around for at least seven years and he's known her [Isabella] since she was a baby."

When the family woke up at 6 a.m. the next morning, young Bella was missing. A frantic search came to an end after 4 hours a friend of Freeman, Tyler Best, 18, came to police and lead them to where Isabella's body had been hidden.

Niagara Falls Police Captain William Thompson said, “He was able to lead us to the location of the victim. She was in a trash can underneath some bags of trash in a garbage bag."

That garbage can was in an alley, four blocks from the home. Police believe Freeman killed Bella with his bare hands and then asked Best to help him move her body.

Family members tell News 4 Freeman confessed to the murder while being questioned by police. He is being charged as an adult with second-degree murder.  Best will face a tampering with evidence charge. Police are still unsure of a motive although they say there were no signs of sexual abuse.

Both suspects will appear in Niagara Falls City Court at 9 a.m. Tuesday.