10-Year-Old Jalayshia 'Malayshia' Alford Found Dead in New Jersey; Foster Mother Charged With Murder
Jalayshia "Malayshia" Alford, 10 (left), and her foster mother, Carprice Williams (right). Photo via NBC10 Philadelphia.
Jalayshia "Malayshia" Alford, 10, of West Philadelphia, was a foster child living on the 500 block of North Simpson Street. Her body was found Wednesday night, Nov. 4, in the trunk of a car at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey.
Alford was last seen alive Thursday, Oct. 22, at her home. She did not attend school Friday, Oct. 23, or Monday, Oct. 26, and was not reported missing until that Monday afternoon.
Surveillance video from Monday, Oct. 26, shows her body being moved from the home in a bag. That footage and a witness helped lead law enforcement to the vehicle in South Jersey. The search involved Philadelphia police, the FBI, and the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.
The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by blunt force trauma.
Her foster mother, Carprice Williams, has been charged with murder, endangering a child, and other related offenses, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Margaret Toczylowski said at a news conference Thursday, Nov. 5.
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said in a statement: "Our children are among our most precious responsibilities, and we must do everything in our power to protect them. We must also take a hard look at the circumstances surrounding Jalayshia's disappearance and the systems entrusted with her care."
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