Recently unsealed child welfare records say the man accused of kidnapping and murdering 10-year-old Hailey Owens also sexually abused her.
Records from the state's Children's Division, released at the News-Leader's request, do not go into detail about the allegations, and some sections are redacted, such as a part that explains how officials know about abuse.
The report notes two "maltreatments" reported. One is her death and the other is "sexual acts/exploitation," in relation to her abduction on Feb. 18.
A list of questions listed under the sexual acts/exploitation section includes one that says: "Do you suspect child has been sexually abused?" to which the reporter answers, "Yes."
The report was completed on Feb. 21. The section that explains who reported the information is redacted.
It lists the location of the abuse as 1538 E. Stanford St., the home of Craig Michael Wood, who is charged with murder and kidnapping in connection with Hailey's death. Wood is listed as the "alleged perpetrator."
The document also says what other officials have reported — that Wood had no known relationship to Hailey.
When asked about potential sexual assault charges against Wood, Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson said ethical guidelines prohibit him from discussing evidence that hasn't been presented in court.
One of Wood's public defenders, Patrick Berrigan in the state's capital defense division, said he could not comment on records.
Wood is scheduled for a motion hearing Wednesday morning in a case in which he's charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and child kidnapping.
Berrigan was assigned to Wood's case this month because it is believed the state may push for the death penalty if Wood is convicted.
Authorities say Wood abducted Hailey during daylight hours, took her to the basement of his home and shot her in the back of the head.
Police say the body of Hailey was found in two garbage bags inside a plastic storage tote in Wood's basement, which smelled of bleach. No autopsy results have yet been made public; such results typically show whether a person has been abused or endured other acts before death.
Wood was arrested at his home a few hours after Hailey was reportedly kidnapped.
Hailey's biological parents, Stacey Barfield and Markus Owens, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Wood earlier this month.
An attempt to reach their attorney, David Ransin, was not successful.
The News-Leader routinely requests child welfare records when children are slain.
The records in this case included an investigation of a report of unsanitary living conditions at the home where Hailey lived in 2011, but the Children's Divison determined those reports were unfounded.
Work by former News-Leader Reporter Kathryn Wall helped lead to this story.
