Father of missing girl faces murder charge

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DETROIT, March 14 (UPI) -- A man who told police his missing 2-year-old daughter was taken by carjackers in Detroit will be charged with her murder, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

D'Andre Louis Lane is to appear in court Thursday, Wayne County District Attorney Kym Worthy told a news conference. She said he will be charged with first-degree felony murder in the death of Bianca Jones and child abuse, The Detroit News reported.

Worthy said there is a strong case against Lane even though Bianca's body has not been found. Police sources told the News cadaver dogs had found evidence in Lane's home.

Lane was jailed in Oakland County Monday for violating an order of protection granted his ex-wife, who is not Bianca's mother. Worthy said he was scheduled to be transferred to Detroit.

On Dec. 2, Lane told police he was forced from his car at gunpoint by men who drove off with Bianca in the backseat. The car was found nearby.

Banika Jones said Wednesday she has not given up hope.

"I'm still looking for my daughter," she said. "I believe she's alive, and we won't stop looking until we either find her, or someone tells me different. She's still out there."