Johnny Johnson is charged in the death of six-year-old Cassandra Williamson. A St. Louis County judge ordered that Johnson be held without bond, but he did not set an arraignment date.
Johnson hasn't entered a plea on charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping and attempted rape.
Johnson had spent a few nights at the little girl's father's home. The father had stepped out the kitchen for a few minutes Friday and then found the girl was missing. Her body was found later that day.
Authorities said Johnson has confessed to the crime.