The 12-year-old went missing Saturday. An autopsy is planned for today.
Authorities will determine with an autopsy today if a body found late Monday in a recycling container was that of Autumn Pasquale, who went missing Saturday.
A body found in a recycling container has been preliminarily identified as that of a missing 12-year-old southern New Jersey girl, officials said Tuesday.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement early today that the body found 10 p.m. Monday in Clayton is believed to be that of Autumn Pasquale, who was last seen on Saturday.
Officials did not say exactly where the body was found. An autopsy to confirm the body's identity will be conducted this morning by the Gloucester County Medical Examiner's office, officials said.
Pasquale was reported missing at 9:30 p.m. Saturday from her Clayton home, and had been the subject of a large search over the last two days.
Investigators with the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office found the body shortly after an emotional candlelight vigil was held for the girl in her hometown.
Bernie Weisenfeld, spokesman for the prosecutor's office, said Pasquale's family was notified of the discovery.
"This is a very sad day for the Pasquale family," Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the family and to all the residents of Clayton who stood together in support of this young girl."