Authorities in South Carolina say a 4-year-old girl who was reported missing last week is now presumed ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, as investigators continue searching for her remains and pursue criminal charges against her parents.

On Saturday, July 4, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office announced that evidence indicates Javeayah Harris had likely been ᴅᴇᴀᴅ for at least a month before she was reported missing on June 30.

The child’s father, 23-year-old Johmarea Harris, has been charged with homicide by child abuse. Her mother, 22-year-old Michilae Herring, has been charged with homicide by child abuse and filing a false police report.

“Sadly, it was already too late to save her the moment the 911 call came in on June 30,” Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer Jr. said in a statement.

Javeayah was initially reported missing from her home near Hillsboro Street and Ridgecrest Road in Aiken on the evening of June 30. At the time, authorities launched an extensive search effort involving law enforcement officers, helicopters, drones, tracking dogs, and search teams covering more than 3,000 acres.

Investigators also interviewed neighbors and potential witnesses as they worked to determine the girl’s whereabouts.

Following the latest developments, Sheriff Sawyer said investigators have met with Javeayah’s extended family, who requested privacy as they mourn the loss of the young child.

Despite the arrests, authorities emphasized that the search remains active.

“Our search for Javeayah drives on,” Sawyer said. “We all hoped and prayed to find her alive, but it is still extremely important that we bring her home.”
According to the sheriff, investigators are currently focusing on an area of interest outside Aiken County while continuing to dedicate significant resources to the case.

The sheriff’s office also noted that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding how Javeayah is believed to have died, and the search for her remains remains ongoing.

Source: People