A 10-year-old West Philadelphia girl, identified as Jalayshia Alford, who had been missing for more than a week was found dead in New Jersey, according to sources cited by Action News. Police had said she was last seen the morning of Oct. 26, and investigators have reportedly been reviewing conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case.
A 10-year-old West Philadelphia girl who had been missing for more than a week was found dead in New Jersey, according to sources cited by Action News. The remains were identified by sources as Jalayshia Alford, found after a 10-day search involving dozens of local police, FBI agents and community members. District Attorney Larry Krasner had said detectives, federal agents and staff from his office were searching for her, and he urged the public to call police with any information.
Last seen at her foster family's home
Police said Jalayshia was last seen on the morning of Oct. 26. She was last seen at a home on the 500 block of North Simpson Street, where she lived with her foster family. Police say she went to school on Thursday, October 22 and was seen coming home that day, did not attend school the next day, and was reported missing on Monday, October 26. The investigation has centered on that block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia, where she lived before her disappearance.
Family questions and investigation
Family members said they learned Jalayshia was missing after her foster mother told her aunt the girl had gone back to her biological mother. The family said the biological mother did not have custody and did not have her. Her aunt, Yolanda Brown, said she was initially told the girl had left to be with her biological mother, but that turned out not to be true. Investigators have reportedly been reviewing conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case. Police had previously stated that the child may be at special risk of harm or injury.
Description released by police
Jalayshia, who also goes by Malayshia or May, is described as 4 feet, 11 inches tall and about 70 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She is also described as wearing glasses. Police say she was last seen in a blue uniform polo or button-up shirt, blue skirt, blue pullover, blue stockings, and either Crocs or black sneakers.
How to share information
Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
