Authorities are releasing more information surrounding the arrest of a man in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Indiana teen Aleah Beckerle.
Last Friday, authorities arrested Terrence Wayne Roach, 24, a half-brother to one of Aleah's sisters, on preliminary charges of murder, kidnapping, criminal confinement, burglary and abuse of a corpse.
Police say Roach admitted to abducting Aleah on the night of July 16, 2016, and taking her to the vacant home where her body would later be found.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate 14 News, Roach told investigators, during a voluntary interview, that he was smoking the drug K2 when the idea of taking Aleah "popped in his head." He then reportedly told police that he broke a side window of Aleah's bedroom, carried Aleah out the window, then put her into the back of his truck. He then said he drove Aleah to the vacant house and, after duct taping her, she died, according to the affidavit.
During a court appearance Wednesday morning, a judge entered a preliminary plea of not guilty on Roach's behalf.
Related: Body of Missing Disabled Teen Aleah Beckerle Found in Vacant Indiana House
In an exclusive interview with NBC affiliate 14 News, Kacy Beckerle, Aleah's grandmother, said the arrest of Roach came as a surprise to the family. She also said the family has not slept much since Aleah's body was found.
"It's not like we can see her. We're not gonna see our Aleah. Family is what we have -- that's all we have to lean on to. You just remember her smile and --one day at a time, you know, you just stick together and keep going," Kacy told the station.
For more coverage of the case, visit NBC affiliate 14 News
Aleah was reported missing by her mother, Cara Beckerle, on Sunday, July 17, 2016, after she said she awoke and discovered Aleah was not in their home. A stroke as an infant had left Aleah almost completely immobile and in need of constant care.
Her wheelchair and daily medication, meant to help control severe seizures, were left behind, according to police. Thousands of community members turned out in various large-scale searches, but few clues were uncovered. A tip led police to the vacant home where Aleah's body was discovered last week.
Authorities say the investigation is not over, and ask that anyone with information is urged to call the Evansville Police Department at (812) 436-7979.
Aleah was featured in Dateline's Missing in America online series shortly after she disappeared.
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