Police search suspect's property in 1997 Oklahoma abduction case

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. -- Investigators with the Medical Examiner's office are assisting police near Oklahoma City in a search of Anthony Palma's property, after he was arrested Monday in connection with the 1997 disappearance of Kirsten Hatfield, reports CBS affiliate KWTV.

The 8-year-old girl was abducted from her bedroom in Midwest City, about 10 miles east of Oklahoma City.

Palma, 56, lived just two doors away from Hatfield, and was linked to the case after his DNA matched blood evidence from the scene.

The search, so far, has focused on the back of the home with investigators digging up the yard. Authorities have not said what they are searching for or what information led them to the site where they are now focused.

Palma was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail late Tuesday night.