PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A foster mother has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford, whose body was found in Lindenwold, New Jersey, on Thursday.
Carprice Williams, 36, is charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment, abuse of a corpse and possession of an instrument of crime. She is being held behind bars without bail.
"There is a heaviness to this, I think we all feel, and many of us are people who deal with terrible tragedies all the time," said District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said Malayshia was last seen alive on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Williams' home on North Simpson Street, near Haverford Avenue, in West Philadelphia. She was reported missing on Oct. 26, and that's when authorities began searching for her.
A little more than a week into the investigation, Toczylowski said authorities recovered surveillance footage that was dated from the early morning hours of Oct. 26 that conflicted with her initial missing person report.
"The video showed she was removed from the home in some type of bag," said Toczylowski.
She said it led law enforcement to the owner of the vehicle that was believed to have transported Malayshia's body, who then led them to her body. It was found on Thursday, Nov. 5, in the trunk of a car at an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey. The New Jersey Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death as resulting from blunt force trauma, and it was ruled a homicide.
Malayshia's death has brought shocked reactions from many leaders in Philadelphia government. Several appeared at the DA's press conference on Thursday evening, including City Council Member Curtis Jones Jr., state Rep. Morgan Cephas, and state Sen. Vincent Hughes.
"When a child is taken from us, it's just hard to imagine that happening," said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. "She deserved safety, she deserved to be loved, she deserved a chance to grow up."
Bethel also read part of a statement released by Mayor Cherelle Parker.
"As a mother, this has shaken me to my core. I can’t stop thinking about this precious baby and the heartache and turmoil that her immediate village will endure," reads part of Parker's statement.
A vigil on Simpson Street
On North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia, a somber vigil was also held to remember Malayshia. Her uncle, Nafeese Hart, said he stopped by there before going to the DA's press conference alongside other family members.
"Keep us in your prayers because it's tough right now," he said. "Just support my family with the love that we need."
At the vigil, people were still processing the news. Confused, hurt neighbors and citizens looked for answers, justice, and a shoulder to cry on. Neighbor Kim Fuller said she was heartbroken.
"Children are children; they’re supposed to be loved and cared for. Coddled and taught. Instructed. Not abused, not hurt, not killed," she said.
Dr. Deshawnda Williams said the kind of grief felt on the block was a little too familiar.
"Unfortunately, this is something that’s a norm to us," said Williams. "But the thing is, how do we change this?"
Dr. Iris Parkinson-Armstrong said the old adage “it takes a village to raise a child” may be trite, but it’s necessary to keep kids safe.
"It really depends on the schools. The school is where it starts, but the community is where it continues," she said. "It’s a partnership. It’s not just you, it’s not just me, it’s everybody caring for people’s children."
Body of West Philly girl found in South Jersey
Body of West Philly girl found in South Jersey
