Man accused of killing 8-year-old girl from Hayward, California, earlier this year has been caught

The man who was accused of killing an 8-year-old girl from Hayward, California, earlier this year has been caught by the police.

Dhante Jackson, 33, was arrested after being on the run for six months.

In March, Jackson,, was charged with murder and child abuse in the death of Sophia Mason in Merced, but authorities were unable to located him.

Samantha Johnson, of Hayward, is being held on suspicion of murder of her 8-year-old daughter Sophia Mason in Merced County.

Sophia's mother, Samantha Johnson, 30, was also arrested and charged with murder and child abuse. She has been in custody since March.

Johnson told a Merced police detective that Jackson, her boyfriend, kept Sophia in a shed outside the house where she was physically and sexually abused by Jackson.

Sophia Mason. Photo credit: Melanie Verlatti

“We grieve with Sophia's family and loved ones, and acknowledge that she should be here with us now -- playing, learning and growing up,"CA Attorney General Rob Bonta stated.