Perez said investigators found Mason was malnourished, suffered constant physical abuse and was forced to live in a shed in the backyard of Jackson’s home. Hayward police were called to a “missing and endangered juvenile report” on March 8 by a family member, who was not named in a statement. Detectives began investigating Mason’s disappearance and, within two days, arrested Mason’s mother, Samantha Johnson, after it was “determined” there was probable cause for “bodily injury to a child,” Hayward officials said. “Merced PD has since added a charge of murder against Johnson in addition to the assault causing bodily harm and obstructing an officer investigation charges filed by Hayward PD,” the city of Hayward said in a statement. The manhunt for Jackson began shortly after authorities charged Johnson, Perez said. “Detectives acted quickly on leads to track Jackson’s location, but he had the help of several people to assist him and evade capture,” Perez said. According to Perez, hundreds of hours of analyzing and deciphering electronic forensic data were “huge” for the case. Police also used more than 20 search warrants to help obtain evidence in the case, Perez added. Jackson also had several female acquaintances who provided him with money, shelter and transportation to help him hide, Perez said. Those women have since been charged, Perez added. Perez said all the hard work “finally paid off” when authorities found Jackson in Newark, Calif., on Saturday and took him into custody. Jackson was arrested Saturday in Newark following a months-long investigation and manhunt conducted by the Merced Police Department with assistance from the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Task Force and the Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit, according to Bonda’s office. It is unclear if Jackson has an attorney at this time. CNN has reached out to the Merced County public defender’s office for more information. “In 20 years of law enforcement, this case is the most disturbing and horrific I have seen. To know what this poor little angel went through at the hands of pure evil breaks my heart,” Perez said, standing next to a photo of Sophia. Bonda, who was also present at Sunday’s news conference, thanked all the departments that worked to arrest Jackson. “Let today serve as a reminder: When a heinous crime like this is committed, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice. We will continue to pursue you until you are caught,” Boda said. CNN’s Colin Jeffery and Melissa Alonso contributed to this report.
