JACKSON, Michigan — Jarvis ʙuттs, the man who was recently sentenced for the murder of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris from Detroit, has died while behind bars, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The Michigan Department of Corrections announced that ʙuттs, 43 years old, pᴀssed away at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson. Prison staff immediately provided life-saving measures, but unfortunately, they were not successful. Michigan State Police are now investigating his death as a possible suicide.

ʙuттs had only been in prison for a short time after receiving his sentence just two weeks ago. He was given 35 to 60 years for second-degree murder in the case of Na’Ziyah Harris. He also received additional sentences for other serious charges involving young girls.

Na’Ziyah Harris was last seen getting off a bus in Detroit in January 2024. Prosecutors said she met with ʙuттs that same day. He was someone known to her family, and the case has been heartbreaking for everyone involved since she went missing.

One of the most difficult parts for Na’Ziyah’s family is that her body has never been found. As part of his plea agreement, ʙuттs had promised to tell authorities the location of her remains so her loved ones could finally have some closure and lay her to rest. Now that he has pᴀssed away, the family is worried they may never get the answers they have been desperately searching for since early 2024.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy had previously stated that helping the family find Na’Ziyah was one of the most important parts of the plea deal. “One of the most important aspects of the plea agreement was giving Na’Ziyah’s family some semblance of closure,” she said.

This case has deeply affected the Detroit community. Many people followed the story closely and hoped that justice would bring some peace to the family. Na’Ziyah’s loved ones have been actively searching for her since she disappeared more than a year ago.

In addition to the murder charge, ʙuттs also faced multiple other charges related to crimes against children that happened before Na’Ziyah went missing. He also had a previous conviction for a similar offense from years earlier.

The Michigan Department of Corrections said they are fully cooperating with the Michigan State Police investigation into the circumstances of ʙuттs’ death. No further details about the investigation have been released at this time.

Na’Ziyah’s family continues to grieve and search for answers. This latest development has brought them even more pain and uncertainty at a time when they were hoping for resolution.

Our hearts go out to Na’Ziyah’s family and all those who loved her during this incredibly difficult period. Many in the community are praying that they can still find the closure they need and deserve.

Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the original case to come forward and contact the proper agencies. The investigation into Na’Ziyah’s disappearance remains open even after ʙuттs’ death.

This tragic story reminds us how much one life can impact so many others. The pain of losing a young girl like Na’Ziyah is something no family should ever have to endure.