Authorities are sickened by what they describe as the brutal murder of an 11-year-old girl.

Jason Lee Belew, 34, was charged Monday with first-degree murder for the death of Dakota Hughes, who had been staying at her aunt’s home, 375 Dogwood Trail in Cartwright.

According to an affidavit by Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Houston, Debbie Hughes, the victim’s aunt, said she had picked up Belew, who is an acquaintance, in Sherman, Texas, Saturday afternoon and the three of them went to Hughes’ residence.

The affidavit states that Belew and Debbie Hughes consumed beer and malt liquor until approximately 10:30 that evening. Debbie Hughes told authorities she passed out and at approximately 4 a.m. Sunday, she woke up and began looking for Belew and her niece.

Hughes found Dakota’s nude body on the bedroom floor, according to the affidavit.

Following an investigation that included the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, authorities arrested Belew at a North Holly Street residence in Sherman.

Bryan County Sheriff’s Deputies John Bates and Brian Carr assisted Grayson County deputies in making the arrest.

He was found hiding in a closet and deputies pulled him out at gunpoint, according to Bates. Belew was also arrested on an unrelated Grayson County warrant.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office will be determining the victim’s cause of death. Deputies said it appeared to be from strangulation or blunt trauma.

Investigators also believe the girl was raped and that sexual assault was the motive for the murder.

District Attorney Emily Redman said Hughes suffered injuries to her head, neck and genitalia.

Hughes was a student at Colbert School and grief counselors are working with students.

“She was savagely murdered,” Bates said. “I was shocked. She was a cute, little girl who didn’t deserve this. We’re just all disgusted and saddened – our hearts go out to that family.”

Redman said it is highly likely she will seek the death penalty for Belew.

She was told late Monday afternoon that Belew had waived extradition.

He will be held without bail.