FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A man already accused of kidnapping a five-year-old North Carolina girl faces new charges that he raped and asphyxiated her, police said Thursday.

Mario McNeill is being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape of a child, Fayetteville Police Chief Tom Bergamine told reporters at a news conference.

The 29-year-old McNeill was charged earlier this week with kidnapping, with authorities saying he took Shaniya Davis from her Fayetteville home. Her body was found Monday in thick underbrush off a rural North Carolina road after searchers spent nearly a week looking for her.

Bergamine gave few further details of the investigation Thursday. Earlier in the week, authorities said McNeill admitted taking the girl, but the chief did not say whether McNeill admitted to the child's death.

A search warrant says McNeill picked the girl up in front of the home and drove her to a hotel where she was last seen alive. Surveillance video captured McNeil carrying the girl in the building.

"It is our sincere hope that the Davis family may now begin to put this horrific event behind them and begin the healing process," Bergamine said at the news conference.

McNeill's lawyer, Allen Rogers, did not immediately respond to a message left at his office after hours.

The girl's mother, Antoinette Davis, is charged with trafficking her daughter and child abuse involving prostitution. Bergamine said no new charges have been filed against Davis as of Thursday night.

Police issued the warrant containing the new charges against McNeill after they collected hair and fibers, clothes, and a straw from his 1997 Mitsubishi Galant.

Authorities first arrested another man, but charges against him were dropped a day later when investigators tracked down McNeill after receiving a tip from a hotel employee.

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MY HEART IS WITH THE DAD AND OTHERS THAT REALLY CARE. SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL CHILD, HER RETARDED MOM IS PROBABLY A DRUG ADDICT AND OWED HIM MONEY, SHE AND HE NEED TO GET THE MAXIMUM, THEY'LL TAKE CARE OF HIM IN THE CELL. WE'LL SEE HIM WITH HIS PANTS DOWN, SAGGING, BECOMIN SOMEONES GIRLFRIEND. SHE'S GOIN TO ANSWER SOMEDAY, SOMEWAY.

by   
Babykakes11
November 23, 2009, 7:18 pm
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This just sickens me, esp that smirk on his face! Don't waste our money on a trial, he'll get his real soon, probably before a trial can commence.

by   
Niagaras4me
November 23, 2009, 1:35 pm
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The mother needs to be put on trial. If a mother isn't protecting her child then who will?? McNeill needs to be put in jail. It's not right but he will feel what he has done once those guys in prison get a hold of him. This isn't right and we need to learn more efficient ways of taking care of our children because it is our responsibility to fend for those who cannot protect themselves. What will we do as parents sisters brothers aunts uncles cousins grandparents neighbors classmates teachers advisors counselors friends we must come together to take care of this problem.

by   
MonetWalker
November 21, 2009, 12:07 pm
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I agree with all comments. These are evil people to comment such a terrible crime on a innocent child that can't even fight back and what kind of man would man would mess with a 5yr old. Sick. We should not waste any time and get rid of them all.

by   
Kemberley
November 20, 2009, 3:24 pm
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enought is enought, just kill them both, this is not a black or white issue, this should be and eye for and eye.......

by   
Wreeves
November 20, 2009, 2:14 pm
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This is very sad and sickkening...No death penalty, life in jail wiill ever bring justice to this little girl. This man and woman are just throwaways in Black Society..It is time that we as Black people start putting these people on notice...No more of this shyt and violence toward each other, man, women and child is no longer acceptable...That is the only thing that will save Black America is Black America itself.

by   
Broughtwaprice
November 20, 2009, 1:59 pm
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I agree with the other comments we should not have to waste tax payers money. I would press the button for free. I know he has a special place in Hell, along side the childs no good mother. They both should pay the max for what they have done to this child and the famly!

by   
Skilledlab
November 20, 2009, 1:02 pm
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First of all Mr. Lockhart needs to have his way with the mother and I don't mean that in a sexual way. He needs to beat her****. After that he can have his way with McNeil, and then both of them need to be sent to the electric chair. They don't need court dates, that is a waste of taxpaying money and time. This is horrific, he knew his intentions when he took the 5 year old to the hotel. They both need to die. Don't want to hear a damn thing about mental issues.

by   
Debbie
November 20, 2009, 11:47 am
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I hope he's eligible for the the death penalty.

by   
CAmira
November 20, 2009, 10:50 am
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you know all he got to do is ask GOD to forgive him. its obvious that he DO NOT know his ten commandments (kill)..The devil have taking his mind and heart complete. I have no sorry for this suppose to be human being..he will not live a comfortable life its no way everytime he close his eyes Shaniya will be their..its so sad the Mother its no words for her..

by   
Trdaye
November 20, 2009, 10:05 am
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Just as I know there is a God in Heaven, there has to be a special place in Helll for people like this. The judgement you get from man is only the beginning.

by   
Jerohn
November 20, 2009, 9:13 am
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Let me kill the stanking Bastard!!!

by   
Kingtimez
November 20, 2009, 7:15 am
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SEND HIM TO THE DEATH PENALTY & EVEN QUICKER THAN THAT DC SNIPER!!!!!!

by   
Barackie
November 20, 2009, 6:14 am
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