Suspect Arrested In Death Of Baby Girl, Grandmother In Montgomery County

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) – Investigators say a suspect who was looking for a $50,000 ransom murdered a baby girl and her grandmother in Montgomery County.

The suspect, identified by police as Raghunandan Yandamuri, is facing several charges including murder, kidnapping, robbery and other related offenses.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman said the suspect even helped in the search for 10-month-old Saanvi Venna.

According to Ferman, the body of young Saanvi was found hidden at about 4:30 a.m. Friday in a gym at the family's Marquis Apartment complex in King Of Prussia.

Ferman said the suspect, who is known to the family and lives in the same apartment complex, went to the family's apartment Monday with the intention of kidnapping Saanvi for a $50,000 ransom. Instead, Ferman said the suspect fatally stabbed 61-year-old Satyavathi Venna to death before kidnapping the baby girl.

After kidnapping the child, Ferman said the suspect suffocated her with a handkerchief in her mouth and stuffed her in a suitcase.

An intense search for young Saanvi followed her kidnapping until her body was found Friday morning.

According to Ferman, the suspect helped during the search for Saanvi and printed flyers. In addition, Ferman said the suspect attended one of the vigils held for her safe return.

Ferman said 10 copies of a ransom note were found inside the apartment.

Ferman said it was not immediately known when Saanvi was killed. An autopsy is planned for Friday.

Yandamuri is scheduled to be arraigned Friday afternoon.