Foster Mother Charged After Missing Girl Is Found Dead in New Jersey

Malayshia’s body was found late Wednesday, November 4, in the trunk of a Lincoln sedan near an apartment complex in Lindenwold, Camden County. Prosecutors said a preliminary examination found she died from blunt force trauma and that her death was a homicide. They said Williams beat the girl to death.

Authorities said Malayshia was last seen alive on video at her West Philadelphia home on October 22. Williams told police the girl left for the school bus on October 26 and did not return, but the child was not reported missing until that afternoon. Family members said Williams had told them Malayshia was with her biological mother; relatives and police contacted the mother but did not find the girl.

Investigators said surveillance video appeared to show a body being removed from the home. After developing a suspect vehicle, investigators interviewed a person who provided information that led them to the car and the girl’s body late November 4. Police and community members had searched for Malayshia for 10 days, including in nearby wooded areas.

Williams faced accusations including homicide, child endangerment, evidence interference, corpse abuse and other offenses. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said the prosecution would be vigorous. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson called for a close examination of the circumstances of Malayshia’s disappearance and the systems responsible for her care. The investigation is ongoing.