A 10-year-old Alabama girl was stabbed multiple times by another child inside her home, the coroner said. 

Katheryn Aliceanna Bigbee was first reported missing on April 17 after she was not found in her bedroom in the family's Piedmont home around 11pm. 

Her parents had heard a noise and went to look for her, only to discover she wasn't snug in her bed. 

When Piedmont Police arrived at the home, they found the little girl. She was treated at the scene and taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.  

Another juvenile was taken into custody and charged with murder, police said. 

'This is an active and ongoing investigation. Due to the nature of the case and the involvement of juveniles, no further details can be released at this time,' Chief Nathan Johnson said in a statement. 

'This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved and for our entire community. We ask that you keep the family affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.' 

Calhoun County Coroner, Pat Brown, ruled Bigbee's death a homicide and that she died from multiple stab wounds. 

Piedmont Elementary School, where the girl attended, remembered her as a 'joyful' student who had a 'spunky personality that made her truly special,' school officials said on Sunday, according to AL.com. 

'She was an enthusiastic reader and will be remembered for the happiness she shared so freely.' 

A GoFundMe was started for the family to help pay for Bigbee's funeral expenses, and has since raised more than $16,000 of its $22,000 goal. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the family for comment.