VAN BUREN, Ark. (KTLA) -- An autopsy Tuesday confirmed a body found in a barrel as that of missing 16-year-old Angela Allen of Arkansas.
The barrel was found buried in a shallow grave Friday on property belonging to relatives of convicted rapist Lloyd Jones, according to a Sebastian County Sherriff's Dept. press release.
Allen was last seen wearing about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 when she left her grandmother's Van Buren home for a walk around the neighborhood and never returned.
Jones, a Level 3 sex offender who was convicted of raping his estranged wife in 2001, is being held on suspicion of aggravated assault in connection with the case.
He could face additional charges once a cause of death is established.
Police told reporters Friday that they believe Jones and Allen met on a social networking site and developed a relationship through text messages.
Van Buren Police Chief Kenneth Bell said it appeared Jones was grooming the girl as a potential victim.
Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Kevin Nickson told the Associated Press a preliminary autopsy determined Angela died of strangulation.
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