Body of missing Philadelphia girl Jalayshia Allford, 10, found in New Jersey car
Jalayshia Allford, missing for over a week, was found dead in a vehicle in Lindenwold, NJ. The Philadelphia DA's office announced a suspect faces charges for her "brutal murder."
Philadelphia DA announces murder charges after missing girl found dead in New Jersey
Jalayshia Allford, a 10-year-old girl from West Philadelphia who had been missing for more than a week, has been found dead inside a car in New Jersey, sources told 6abc.com.
Her body was discovered overnight at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, Camden County. The vehicle where her remains were located has not been further described by authorities.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office announced it would hold a news conference to bring charges against a suspect in connection with what prosecutors called the girl's "brutal murder." The suspect's name had not been released ahead of the announcement, and no further details about the cause of death were immediately available.
Jalayshia was last seen on 26 October at a home on the 500 block of North Simpson Street, where she lived with her foster family. Police had previously stated the child "may be at special risk of harm or injury." Investigators have reportedly been reviewing conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case.
Her biological father, Nazir Allford, spoke to Action News earlier this week as the search continued. "All I'm concerned with is my child. I'm not concerned about nothing else," he said. Court records show Nazir previously pleaded guilty to charges related to interference with child custody, though family members said he had been working to regain custody of Jalayshia since she entered the foster system several years ago.
"He loved his daughter. His daughter loved him. We're vouching for that as a family because we know that," said Nafis Horne, Jalayshia's uncle.
Her aunt, Nyfisha Allford, described the anguish of not knowing what had happened. "It's really so much pain in not knowing," she said. Nyfisha also called on Jalayshia's foster parent to speak publicly about the circumstances surrounding the girl's disappearance. "I would just really like it if you can come out, speak to the news, speak to somebody. Let us know what's going on," she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)