A four-year-old girl at the centre of a huge missing persons search is now presumed dead – with both of her parents charged over her death as police continue desperately searching for her body.
Little Javeayah Harris was reported missing and sparked a massive multi-agency hunt involving helicopters, drones, police dogs and hundreds of officers.
But investigators now believe the youngster had died at least a month before she was reported missing, transforming the case from a frantic search operation into a homicide investigation.
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Her father, Johmarea Harris, 23, has been charged with homicide by child abuse.
Her mother, Michilae Herring, 22, has been charged with homicide by child abuse and filing a false police report.
Both remain behind bars after being denied bond, as reported by Need To Know.
Authorities say evidence uncovered during the investigation led detectives to conclude Javeayah was already dead when the emergency call reporting her disappearance was made on 30 June.
Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer Jr. said: “Sadly, it was already too late to save her the moment the 911 call came in.”
Investigators continue to search for the four-year-old’s remains outside Aiken County.
The operation has already covered more than 3,000 acres using helicopters, drones, K-9 teams and hundreds of law enforcement personnel.
According to court documents, both parents allegedly admitted the child had died, although police have not yet located her body.
Detectives say additional charges could follow as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, a growing memorial of flowers, teddy bears and balloons has appeared outside the family’s home as devastated residents pay tribute to the youngster.
One local resident said: “She captured our hearts.”
The case has shocked the community, where hundreds of volunteers initially joined the search effort after Javeayah was reported missing.
Authorities previously described her as a bright and talkative little girl who loved Minnie Mouse and chasing chickens.
Sheriff Sawyer thanked the agencies and volunteers who assisted in the search and offered condolences to Javeayah’s extended family.
Despite the grim developments, he vowed officers would continue searching until they find her.
He added: “Our search for Javeayah drives on.
“It is still extremely important that we bring her home.”
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