Sioux County prosecutors have submitted the necessary filing to seek the death penalty against a western Nebraska man accused of killing his 8-year-old stepdaughter.

Salvador Lopez, of Mitchell, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Kerra Wilson. Her body was found Sept. 22 on remote ranchland several miles north of their home.

Online court records show prosecutors on Monday filed a notice of aggravated circumstances in the case.

The Star-Herald in Scottsbluff says while the state is required by law to state its intentions to seek the death penalty from the beginning of a case, it could later determine not to seek the death penalty.

Lopez said he dropped her off at school but she didn't appear in
any surveillance footage in the school or playground.