![Anderson Charged in Sexual Assault, Murder of Young Watkins Girl](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/08/Zachary-Anderson-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Anderson Charged in Sexual Assault, Murder of Young Watkins Girl
MINNEAPOLIS -- A 25-year-old man has been charged in the abduction, sexual assault and death of a 5-year-old girl from central Minnesota.
Authorities say Zachary Todd Anderson kidnapped Alayna Ertl early Saturday from her home in Watkins, about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Alayna's body was found later that day.
Anderson was charged Tuesday with murder, criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and motor vehicle theft.
Anderson, a family friend, was spending Friday night at the Ertl family's house. Alayna was last seen when she was put to bed around 2 a.m. Saturday. She and Anderson were gone by morning.
He was found hours later at his family's cabin near Motley, about 80 miles to the north. Authorities say he provided information that led them to Alayna's body.
Anderson most recently lived in Coon Rapids.
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