( CNN ) -- With one child dead and the second arrested in her death , a California woman pleaded for a bit of privacy on Mother 's Day . Crystal Walters posted a brief message on Facebook on Sunday , the day after sheriff 's investigators in Calaveras County announced the arrest of her 12-year-old stepson on a homicide charge in the death of her 8-year-old stepdaughter , Leila Fowler . `` I do n't have much to say but thank you to those who are standing by us in this devastating time for our family , '' Walters said in a brief post on Facebook . `` And thank you for respecting our privacy during this time . We need a little space . Happy mothers day to all . '' Leila Fowler was stabbed April 27 in the family 's northern California home . The 12-year-old boy told police he 'd seen an intruder leaving the home . But Saturday , police announced the boy had been arrested . `` Citizens of Calaveras County can sleep a little better tonight , '' Sheriff Gary Kuntz said . The death of young Leila , known for her bubbly personality , shook the small town of Valley Springs , where purple ribbons , in Leila 's favorite color , were tied to stop signs . After the killing , police offered a sketchy description of the suspect as a 6-foot-tall white or Hispanic male with a muscular build . They also interviewed registered sex offenders in the area , ran down leads and searched in attics , storage sheds and more in the rural , mountainous community located about 60 miles southeast of Sacramento . Kuntz said law enforcement officers `` put over 2000 hours into this investigation to provide Leila Fowler 's family with answers in her death . '' Hundreds flock to vigil for slain girl . He declined to answer questions after Saturday evening 's announcement and did n't specify the exact charges against the brother , where he is being held or when he will appear in court .
Leila Fowler was stabbed to death in April . The attack happened at a home on the outskirts of the city and police said they were treating it as an attempted murder. The boy told police there had been an intruder in their home .