A 16-year-old youth will appear before Lisburn Magistrates this morning to be charged with the murder of 16-year-old Megan McAlorum. Her body was found not far from her west Belfast home on Easter Monday afternoon.Ms McAlorum had suffered head injuries.
Police have been granted a 24-hour extension to question a second suspect in the case. They have until 7 p.m. this evening to charge or release the man. The PSNI has also arrested a third person in connection with the case.
The suspect, a woman, was arrested in Ballymena, Co Antrim, and is being questioned about a possible role in assisting alleged offenders.
The police last night thanked the west Belfast community and local Travellers in particular for their assistance in the case.
They have appealed for more assistance concerning the movements of a black Volvo car which is currently undergoing forensic examination.
Ms McAlorum (16), was found murdered near a quarry in an isolated area overlooking the city on Easter Monday. Detectives continue to examine the area where the girl's body was found.
Glenside Road, not far from Ms McAlorum's Glencolin home, remains sealed off and investigations continue.
A post-mortem has been concluded, but its results have not yet been made public. The family has still to announce funeral arrangements.