Three Texas sisters who were thought to have drowned in a neighbour's pond had been strangled, an autopsy has revealed.
Zi'Ariel Robinson Oliver, 9, A'Miyah Hughes, 8, and Te'Mari Robinson Oliver, 5, were pulled from the water on July 30, 2022.
Police initially believed the children had entered the water and drowned after getting into trouble.
But following an investigation which has lasted more than eight months, the Cass County District Attorney Courtney Shelton revealed the sisters had died by strangulation and suffered cuts to their faces.
The attorney has pleaded for anyone with information to come forward as the investigation into the children's deaths continues.
Ms Shelton said: "Multiple witness statements have been obtained, DNA testing is ongoing, and the investigation will continue."
Authorities refused to discuss any motives or potential suspects.
The three girls were being looked after a family friend while their mum Shommaonique Oliver, 28, was at work.
However, they were reported missing from their Atlanta home on July 29 at around 9pm, which promoted a huge search operation.
Police confirmed the missing sisters were discovered in a pond, which is 200 yards from the girls' house, near Highway 77, the following day at around 2am.
Officers searched the pond after finding a pair of shoes and clothing items spread near the water.
Texas Game Warden Shawn Hervey told KSLA: "'We located items of clothing around a pond and in a pond.
"'So, we centred the search around that small body of water, and with the use of divers we were able to recover three victims at approximately 2am."
Footage from property showed an abandoned bicycle near the pond, however, it remains unclear if it belonged to the sister's.
Cass County Sheriff Larry Rowe told the Texarkana Gazette he was unsure why the children were at the pond.
He said: "'We have no idea what the girls were doing there. Nobody has been accused of anything."
Heartbroken Shommaonique said she needed to "be strong" for her other three kids who had just lost their siblings.
She wrote on Facebook: "'Through this whole process I have my family helping me to get through this hard time with me and the loss of my sweet babies Girl's (sic) it's so unreal.
"But I know I have to be strong for the sake of my other 3 Babies's because they need me more then ever!!!"
Shommaonique created a GoFundMe account to try and raise money to help pay for the children's funerals.
She wrote: "'This was so unexpect (sic) and a big hurt and shock to myself and my family. We are now asking for help to lay my sweet angles to rest.
"Whatever you can donate will be appreciated."
It has raised $17,000 (£13,000) out of a target of $25,000 (£20,000) as friends and family posted emotional tributes to the children.
Stephanie Spriggs-Luckey wrote: "'Sweet baby I have no words. No words will bring you any comfort. I'm so incredibly sorry for the loss of your precious babies.
"I will be praying for God to bring you peace and comfort as only he can."
While her cousin China Davis posted on Facebook: "'I love you cousin I'm praying baby girl my heart cries out for you!"
