The tragic murder of an 8-year-old Valley Springs, CA girl have many residents in the area worried for their and their children's safety. Police continue to search the area for clues, but so far leads have been few and far between.

The girl, Leila Fowler, was reportedly at home this past Saturday when her 12-year-old noticed an intruder, who promptly ran out of the house. The brother found his sister with multiple stab wounds and call their parents, who were at a Little League baseball game. By the time Leila received medical attention, it was too late.

"This is way too close to home," Julia Poland, who has a 13-year-old daughter, told the Modesto Bee. "This kind of thing does not happen here."

Despite the fact that the killer is still on the loose, local police officers do not believe that the public is at risk. Those words mean little to the small 3500-resident community still shaking in the aftershock of Leila's murder.

"I'm scared to death every night," said Beverly Whitaker, a Calaveras County resident whose kids played with Leila and her brother. "I haven't slept since this happened. I'm up all hours of the night, checking my kids, making sure my kids are safe."

The brother who initially found the suspect in the Fowler home described the man as being either white or Hispanic, about 6 feet tall, and having long gray hair. Another witness corroborated the boys description, but has since stopped cooperating with authorities.

"The witnesses' description of the running man was an important lead for investigators, said Sgt. Chris Hewitt of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Department, "but as of now, it has become clear that this witness is no longer credible."

Leila was described as being an incredibly happy child with a big smile and bubbly personality. Her principal described her as compassionate.

"She's got this huge smile," said one friend at the news conference. "You'll just melt."