Palma Arraigned In Connection With MWC Girl's Disappearance

As he walked in for his video arraignment, this neighbor turned accused killer had only one thing to say; his name.

The rest of the time, he stood silently as the judge read the formal charges the district attorney filed against him.

Palma is facing charges for first degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the 1997 disappearance of 8-year-old Kirsten Hatfield, even though investigators can't find any trace of her body.

10/27/2015 Related Story: MWC Disappearance Suspect Charged With Murder, Kidnapping

For 10 days, investigators searched Palma's Midwest City home inside and out, using sonar, cadaver dogs and bulldozers. They dug up his yard, pulled up floorboards and searched through the crawl spaces of the home but found nothing.

It was a recent DNA hit that broke this 18-year-old cold case wide open. Turns out, it was Palma's blood that was found on Hatfield's windowsill all those years ago, and his blood was also discovered on a torn pair of underwear found in the backyard.

Midwest City police Chief Brandon Clabes said the investigation is ongoing, and has not ruled out a search of the Capitol or Lake Thunderbird where Palma used to work as a groundskeeper.

Palma's attorney is Irven Box who told News 9 now that Palma has been formally charged, he will put in his entry of appearance. Palma’s next court date is set for November.