Authorities have discovered the partial remains of a 4-year-old South Carolina girl, Javeayah Harris, in Cedar Creek Reservoir, according to investigators. The discovery followed an extensive search involving over 200 first responders.
Javeayah's parents, Johmarea Harris and Michilae Herring, were arrested on July 4 and charged in her death. They had initially reported the girl missing from their Aiken home on June 30. Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer stated Thursday that the investigation revealed the parents allegedly used corrosive chemicals and other tools in an attempt to destroy Javeayah's body. Sawyer described the crime as the most horrific he has encountered in his 37-year law enforcement career.
Investigators believe Javeayah may have been deceased for at least a month before Herring reported her missing. "We had all hoped and prayed to find her body, but with the information we’ve uncovered… that’s simply not possible," Sawyer said, indicating that it is unlikely further remains will be found.
According to arrest warrant documents, Harris and Herring did not seek medical attention after Javeayah suffered an unspecified injury during an alleged assault by Herring. Both parents face charges of homicide by child abuse and destruction and desecration of human remains. Herring also faces an additional charge for filing a false police report.
Both were denied bond at separate hearings on July 5 and did not qualify for court-appointed attorneys. Their cases are being transferred to a circuit court judge for bond decisions, and both are scheduled to appear in court on September 18. Information regarding private legal counsel was not immediately available.