Tragic: 3 Missing Children Found in Texas Pond

Investigators are searching for answers after the bodies of three missing sisters - all under the age of 10 - were found in a pond near their home.

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Officials say 9-year-old Zi’ariel Oliver, 8-year-old Amiyah Hughes, and 5-year-old Temari Oliver were reported missing from their home July 29th.

Search for Missing Children in Cass County

The Texarkana Gazette is reporting that Cass County officials were called after the three girls disappeared while playing near Atlanta, Texas on State Highway 77.

Multiple agencies responded to the search, including Texas Parks and Wildlife, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and volunteer firefighters, according to KWTX.

Unanswered Questions Near the Water

During the search, a shoe was found near the pond, which is on a neighboring property. The children's mother confirmed that it belonged to one of the girls, and footprints were also found close to the water's edge. KSAT is reporting that the pond is about 200 yards from the home where the girls lived.

According to WIAT, Bowie County Dive Teams were called in to help search the property, and several hours later the children's bodies were discovered. It has not been determined whether the girls played around the water regularly and were familiar with the pond, or if they knew how to swim.

No Charges Have Been Filed

The bodies have been sent for autopsies to determine the cause of death, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time. This is an ongoing investigation, and information will be added to this story as it becomes available.