Autumn Pasquale's family criticize police

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CLAYTON, N.J., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The family of Autumn Pasquale, the South Jersey girl found dead in a recycling bin, have accused investigators of a poorly organized search for the 12-year-old.

Autumn's great-uncle, Paul Spadafora, said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton's office was inept in the search for the girl, who was reported missing Saturday.

"Right now there are so many things we think may have been wrong and done wrong that we would like to have the state attorney general come in and investigate," Spadafora said. "They botched the search. These are the professionals we trust and pay."

He called attention to flyers for the missing girl that he said lacked a description of her appearance, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Dalton responded to the criticism, saying the law enforcement response was continuous from the moment Autumn was reported missing.

"The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office's investigative units poured their hearts and souls into this investigation and worked around the clock to find Autumn. I am proud of what they did under such difficult circumstances. This is a time to start the healing process and let the justice system move forward with this case," he said.

Police have charged Justin Robinson, 15, and his older brother Dante, 17, as juveniles with first-degree murder and other crimes related to Autumn's strangulation. Dalton said he is considering seeking to have the brothers charged as adults.

Investigators say Justin lured Autumn to their home by offering to trade BMX bicycle parts.