A foster mother has been charged with the murder of a 10-year-old girl who vanished weeks ago, with authorities alleging the child was abused in a "dungeon" before her death. Carprice Williams, 36, a teacher, faces charges in the killing of Malayshia Alford.
Alford's body was found late Wednesday night approximately 20 miles from her West Philadelphia home, where she was last seen on October 22. Investigators arrested Williams after reviewing surveillance footage that appeared to show Alford's body being moved from the home into a vehicle in the early hours of October 26, the same day she was reported missing. The driver of that vehicle led authorities to Alford's remains in Lindenwold, New Jersey.
An autopsy determined that Alford died of blunt force trauma, classifying her death as a homicide. Officials stated that while details leading to the murder are still being investigated, there are indications of prior abuse, and that "items were used to carry out that abuse."
A community activist described Williams' home as a "dungeon," reporting that the back door and basement door were drilled shut and that "foul play" was apparent upstairs. Williams had initially reported Alford missing, stating the girl did not return home from school and was unreachable by phone. However, authorities noted conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case.
Williams is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that Williams had no prior criminal record and did not indicate whether additional charges were anticipated. Malayshia was a student at Robert E. Lamberton School.
Williams was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on November 23. Krasner's office has reportedly contacted the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Mayor Cherrelle Parker issued a statement expressing condolences and assuring that law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, would thoroughly investigate the case to seek justice for Alford.