Girl at center of Amber Alert found safe, dad wanted in death investigation in custody

A 9-year-old North Carolina girl at the center of a Amber Alert, whose father was sought in connection to a death investigation, has been found safe, police told Paste BN Wednesday morning.

The Pembroke Police Department had been searching for Mekiya Werrell Strickland, reported missing about 3 a.m. on Wednesday after last being seen with her father.

Pembroke is a town Robeson County about 90 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

A police spokesperson said the girl was located late Wednesday morning and her father was in custody.

It was not immediately known if he had been charged with a crime.

What was Claude Leslie Werrell wanted for?

The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons reported the girl missing about 3 a.m.

According to the alert, the child was with her father, identified as 50-year-old Claude Leslie Werrell, wanted for questioning in connection to a death investigation.

Police have not yet said what death investigation Werrell was wanted for questioning in.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.