3 missing sisters, ages 5, 8, and 9, found dead in Texas pond

CASS COUNTY, Texas (TCD) -- The bodies of three young children were recovered this week from a private pond after they were reported missing.

According to KSLA-TV, the three children were reported missing Friday, July 29, at approximately 10 p.m. in Cass County, and several law enforcement agencies responded to assist in search efforts. Shawn Henry, the Texas game warden, told KSLA that officials found items of clothing in and around a pond, so they "centered the search on that small body of water."

A dive team reportedly went into the water and recovered the bodies of the three missing children at approximately 2 a.m.

They were identified as Zi’ariel Oliver, 9, Amiyah Hughes, 8, and Temari Oliver, 5.

The Texarkana Gazette reports Cass County Sheriff Larry Rowe said investigators found a pair of shoes "at the edge of the pond."

A friend of the girls' mother reportedly called 911 to report them missing because she was watching them while the mother was at work. The pond is reportedly located on an adjacent property about 200 yards from their home.

According to KYTX-TV, the three sisters attended Atlanta Primary School in Atlanta, Texas, just under 200 miles from Dallas and about 60 miles from Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Texas Rangers have reportedly taken over the investigation.

MORE:

• 3 missing children found dead in pond near Hwy 77 - KSLA
• Siblings’ bodies recovered from Cass County pond - Texarkana Gazette
• Atlanta ISD gives statement on tragic death of three sisters - KYTX