Charges against William Dobrovolny in the death of a Okemah girl could be filed Wednesday

Tuesday, August 9th 2005, 6:43 am

By: News On 6

A California drifter stands accused in the murder of a nine-year old Oklahoma girl. Investigators are putting together their case in Okemah after the 24-hour search for Katie Middleton ended in tragedy over the weekend.

Investigators found Katie's body in a pond outside of town on Saturday. They believe she'd been in the water for about 24 hours. Within 2 to 3 hours of Katie's disappearance, investigators were questioning William Dobrovolny, the man witnesses last placed with Katie on Friday.

Ben Rosser with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation: "They were neighbors at some point. His mother lives in close proximity to Katie's residence and it was through that we believe that they casually knew each other at least as acquaintances."

Okemah Police Chief Ed Smith: "Oh its scared people to death. I mean it's definitely opened the eyes of local residents. It's struck home. It's tragic."

Officials say charges could be filed in the case as early as Wednesday. Until then, Dobrovolny is being held for a parole violation on an auto theft conviction out of California.