The death of an innocent 8-year-old who was stabbed to death has shocked a small Northern California community.

Investigators are combing Valley Springs to catch the alleged intruder that stabbed Leila Fowler multiple times.

A manhunt is underway for the suspect, who has yet to be identified.

"This is a sad time," said Calaveras County Sheriff Gary Kuntz. "We will not rest until we capture the responsible person."

It has not been revealed whether sexual assault was involved when Leila was stabbed at her home this weekend.

The intruder, who was only spotted by the victim’s 12-year-old brother, has been vaguely described as 6-foot white or Hispanic male with a muscular build wearing blue pants and a black long-sleeved shirt.

The unsolved crime has left the small town nervous that a killer is on the loose.

"When your husband is walking around with a pistol on his hip to protect his family you get a little scared," a woman told CNN affiliate KRON.

Leila and her brother were reportedly home alone when the intruder was spotted. Her brother then found his sister stabbed with serious wounds. She sadly died just minutes after arriving at the hospital.

Investigators have collected fingerprints and what they believe to be DNA, which will be processed within the next week.

The small town of Valley Springs have put up purple ribbons in honor of Leila. Purple was her favorite color. A candlelight vigil will take place tonight.

Authorities have vowed to do everything they could to catch the killer.

Leila’s parents are utterly devastated by their daughter’s death.

Her mother Crystal Walters spoke to CNN on her Facebook page:

"We are devastated. She didn't deserve this. ... She was so full of life."