Arrest Made In 1997 Midwest City Disappearance Case

An arrest has been made in connection with the 1997 disappearance case of an 8-year-old Midwest City girl.

Anthony Palma was arrested Monday in connection with the girl's disappearance, Midwest City police Chief Brandon Clabes said.

Kirsten Hatfield was taken from her bed in the middle of the night 18 years ago.

Monday afternoon, Midwest City police officers searched a home in the 1100 block of Jet Drive.

Investigators also searched behind a home in Jones in January, giving Hatfield's family hope that the cold case might have been heating up.

1/8/2015 Related Story: Investigation Continues Into Midwest City Cold Case

“This is the first glimpse of hope for the family. My granddaughter is buried like a dog somewhere. She deserves a proper, Christian burial," Hatfield's grandfather told News 9 in January.

Stay with News 9 and News9.com as more information becomes available.