Missing 10-year-old Philadelphia girl found dead in car trunk, foster mother charged with murder

PHILADELPHIA — A heartbreaking search for a missing 10-year-old Philadelphia girl has ended in tragedy after authorities discovered her body inside a car trunk in New Jersey.

Prosecutors charged the girl’s foster mother, Carprice Williams, 36, with murder and several related offenses Thursday, Nov. 5.

The victim, Jalayshia “Malayshia” Alford, had been missing since Oct. 26. Authorities found her body Wednesday night in Lindenwold, New Jersey, following an extensive investigation.

According to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, a medical examiner determined that blunt force trauma caused her death. Officials ruled the death a homicide.

Foster Mother Charged in Philadelphia Girl’s Death

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the charges against Williams during a Thursday news conference.

Prosecutors allege Williams fatally beat the child before concealing her body.

In addition to murder, Williams faces charges including:

• child endangerment
• evidence tampering
• abuse of a corpse
• and related offenses

Investigators also uncovered surveillance footage that helped establish what happened after the girl’s disappearance.

According to prosecutors, video from Oct. 26 appeared to show someone removing the child’s body from her foster home.

Investigators subsequently identified a vehicle connected to the footage.

That discovery led authorities to an apartment complex in Lindenwold, where they located Alford’s remains.

Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Intensified

Alford was last seen alive Oct. 22 near the 500 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia.

However, authorities did not receive a missing-person report until four days later.

The Philadelphia Police Department launched an investigation, later receiving assistance from the FBI.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, investigators reviewed surveillance recordings and questioned individuals connected to the child’s disappearance.

Police also searched surrounding neighborhoods with specially trained dogs.

Meanwhile, investigators expressed growing concerns about Alford’s safety as the search continued.

Family Pleaded for Answers Before Tragic Discovery

Before authorities discovered her body, Alford’s biological family publicly pleaded for information.

Her father, Nazir Allford, told 6abc Action News that finding his daughter remained his only concern.

Family members also questioned conflicting accounts surrounding her disappearance.

Alford’s aunt, Nyfisha Allford, described the emotional toll of not knowing the child’s whereabouts.

According to 6abc, relatives said Nazir had been working to regain custody of his daughter.

The discovery has devastated a family that spent days hoping Alford would return home safely.

Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.