CLAYTON, N.J. -
Gloucester county officials confirm a body was found in Clayton, N.J., on Monday night, and preliminary reports indicate it is missing 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale.
The search ended around 10 p.m. Monday on East Clayton Avenue when a search team member found the body in one of the blue recycling bins placed out for pickup Tuesday morning.
The location is right around the corner from the Clayton Police Department, a quarter-mile from Delsea Drive, maybe a half-mile from Autumn's home.
It's also not far from where the community held a candlelight vigil earlier Monday night, praying for Autumn's safe return.
The discovery comes two-and-a-half days after Autumn was last seen leaving her house on her bike on Saturday.
The Gloucester County medical examiner will conduct an autopsy Tuesday morning to confirm the girl's identity.
Authorities have not said whether Autumn's bicycle was found at the scene.
The 300 block of East Clayton Avenue remained roped off with lots of yellow crime tape as police continued to investigate Tuesday morning.
Detectives could be seen walking around several houses. There has been no announcement of any suspect or arrest.
"Usually this is a very quiet neighborhood, and it's just a shock," said neighbor Matt Quidley.
"It's just horrifying, you know what I mean?" he added. "It's just how far do you let your kids go? It happened over here, and we live here, you know what I mean, how far can you possibly let your kids ride their bike? ... It's absolutely horrible, and I hope whoever did it rots."
Since Autumn went missing, investigators have combed the area, searching an 8-mile bike trail, heavily wooded areas, two lakes and an old farmhouse.
Monday is Autumn's 13th birthday. As of last night, a party was still being planned for her at a local park in hopes she would be found safe by then.
FOX 29's Steve Keeley is reporting from the scene all morning long with the latest details.
WATCH LIVE ONLINE: "Good Day," 4:25 a.m.-10 a.m.
