Former Thai refugee held in girl's death

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah, April 3 (UPI) -- A former Thailand refugee was held Thursday as the killer of a 7-year-old girl found slain only a few feet from her South Salt Lake, Utah, home.

Police said they believed Hser Nay Moo was killed within an hour after vanishing Monday. Her body was found Tuesday night as hundreds of searchers called out her name, the Deseret Morning News reported.

Esar Met, 21, who lived in the girl's apartment complex, was arrested for investigation of aggravated murder, child kidnapping and evidence tampering.

Police told the Deseret Morning News the suspect admitted "attempting to confine the victim to the residence by force, resulting in her death." Further charges were expected.

Met and the girl had lived in separate Thai refugee camps before moving to the United States.