Authorities in South Carolina have accused a couple of murdering their four-year-old daughter and then using corrosive chemicals to dispose of her remains, which were subsequently poured into a creek. The parents, Michilae Herring, 22, and Johnmarea Harris, 23, reported Javeayah Harris missing on June 30, telling police she was last seen at their home near Aiken. However, investigators now believe the child had been dead for approximately one month before the missing person report was filed.
Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer described the alleged actions as "repulsive and revolting" during an emotional press conference. "They went through great lengths to cover their repulsive and revolting actions," Sawyer stated, adding that in his 37-year career, he had "never heard of anything so horrific." He confirmed that the couple made "extensive and deliberate efforts" to destroy the child's body using "corrosive chemicals and other tools" to "accelerate the destruction." The remains were then reportedly disposed of in Cedar Creek Reservoir.
Sheriff Sawyer expressed that it is unlikely the entirety of the victim's body will be recovered, calling the investigation one of the most "difficult, deeply disturbing, and emotionally taxing" his office has ever undertaken.
Herring and Harris are currently facing charges of homicide by child abuse and destruction and desecration of human remains. Both appeared in court last Sunday and were denied bond. Arrest warrants indicate that Herring confessed to abusing Javeayah and not seeking medical attention for her. The warrants also state that Harris was aware of the abuse and demonstrated "extreme indifference to human life." A neighbor reportedly told authorities that the child was frequently found locked in a room, on a soiled mattress, and unfed.
Herring had recently given birth to a newborn baby days before her arrest. That child is now in the custody of a family member. If convicted of the homicide charge, the parents face between 20 years and life in prison. Herring also faces up to five years for a false report to police charge. Booking photos of Michilae Herring and Johnmarea Harris were released by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.
