Man arrested in death of 7-year-old cheerleader who disappeared during football game

Kentucky State Police say a 38-year-old man arrested in the death of a 7-year-old girl has been charged with murder, kidnapping, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.

Trooper B.J. Eaton said at a news conference on Friday that Timothy Madden of Scottsville was being processed into jail after his arrest earlier in the day. Madden is charged in the death of Gabriella Doolin.

Madden, in handcuffs and wearing a blue "Kentucky" pullover, was taken from the state police post in Bowling Green to a squad car just before the news conference began. A reporter asked if he had anything to say, and Madden replied, "I'm innocent."



The child was reported missing Saturday night by her mother while they were at a football game at Allen County-Scottsville High School in south-central Kentucky. Her body was found about 25 minutes later in a creek in a wooded area behind the school.

Police would release no other details and said the investigation was ongoing.

Multiple media outlets report Gabriella Doolin's funeral was held Thursday at Scottsville Baptist Church.

An autopsy conducted Sunday ruled the girl's death a homicide.

On Sunday, hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil in downtown Scottsville to show support for Gabriella's family.