Police Step Up Probe in Killing of Girl, 11

Chicago police have brought on more officers to investigate the killing of 11-year-old Ryan Harris after charges were dropped against two young boys. Investigators lost time while they built a case against the boys, ages 7 and 8, who allegedly confessed to molesting and murdering Ryan in July. They were ruled out as suspects last week after semen was found on Ryan’s underwear. Medical experts said the chance of boys that young producing semen is remote. Police want to talk to a man known as “the toy guy,” who reportedly began giving the 7-year-old toy cars and trucks almost immediately after Ryan’s body was found July 28. Critics are asking why police didn’t put more stock in three witnesses who said they saw Ryan with a strange man the night she disappeared.