Police Seek Clues in Girl’s Murder : Crime: Investigators suspect that a burglar stabbed 9-year-old Autumn Wallace to death in her home Friday while she waited for her mother’s return.

Investigators worked through the day Sunday searching for clues at the scene of the fatal stabbing of 9-year-old Autumn Wallace, whose body was found Friday afternoon in the bathroom of her home.

“There’s not much to report today,” Sheriff’s Lt. Richard J. Olson said. “We will have meetings in the morning to decide where we are.”

Investigators suspect that the girl was killed when one or more intruders broke into her house on Hedlund Drive while she waited alone for her mother and sister to arrive home. Neighbors last saw her playing in front of her home in an unincorporated area between Stanton and Anaheim.

Her 18-year-old sister, April, arrived home from work at 5:30 p.m. Friday and entered the house through a garage door. She immediately noticed a television set and microwave oven missing and left the house fearing that burglars might still be inside.

She and a neighbor waited outside until her mother, Linda Wallace, 42, arrived home from work shortly before 6 p.m. Linda Wallace went inside and found her daughter’s body face down in the bathroom. Sheriff’s Lt. Harold Schaffroth said investigators worked at the murder scene Sunday, but he “would not venture to say how many.”

Neighbor Leo Becker said Sunday that Sheriff’s Department cars “have been here all day. Actually, they haven’t left since Friday.”

Neighbors said they intend to contribute as much as they can to the memorial fund for Autumn Wallace that is being established at the Wells Fargo Bank at 2231 W. Lincoln Ave. in Anaheim.

“It’s just such a terrible thing,” said neighbor Carl Caruso.