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Scant Remains Confirmed in Death of 4-Year-Old Javeayah Harris, Parents Charged

Forensic tests tied recovered remains to the child, prompting prosecutors to add a destruction-of-remains charge.

Overview

  • Investigators concluded evidence showed Javeayah had been dead for weeks before her June 30 report, and the investigation shifted from a rescue to a homicide probe.
  • Both parents, 23-year-old Johmarea Harris and 22-year-old Michilae Herring, were arrested on homicide-by-child-abuse charges and court filings say their statements supported arrest warrants.
  • Authorities recovered scant human remains from Cedar Creek Reservoir that Thursday were forensically linked to the biological child of the two people arrested.
  • Sheriff Marty Sawyer said investigators allege corrosive chemicals and tools were used to accelerate destruction of the body and prosecutors added a charge of destruction and desecration of human remains.
  • A multi-agency recovery and evidence operation continues with officials limiting public disclosures to protect the case, community members holding vigils, and the Second Judicial Circuit solicitor expected to handle prosecution.