Philadelphia Foster Parent Faces Murder Charges
A Philadelphia foster parent is facing murder charges following the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl in her care. Carprice Williams, 36, has been charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person. The victim, Malayshia Alford, was reported missing before authorities discovered her body inside a vehicle in New Jersey during a dayslong search this week.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner addressed reporters during a Thursday news conference, describing the case as a "horrific situation." Investigators revealed that Malayshia was last seen alive on Oct. 22 at her residence in Philadelphia. According to Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski, surveillance footage recovered by law enforcement shows an individual removing the victim's body from the home in a bag shortly before 2 a.m. on Oct. 26. Authorities confirmed this individual was not Williams.
Investigation and Evidence Discovery
The recovery of the young victim followed a multi-day investigation that utilized surveillance footage and witness testimony. The video footage helped authorities identify a suspect vehicle, and a witness associated with that vehicle ultimately led investigators to Malayshia. Her body was discovered Wednesday night in the trunk of another vehicle located in New Jersey. Toczylowski noted during the news conference that "It was immediately apparent that she had been there for a while."
A preliminary autopsy determined that Malayshia died from blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide. Officials also stated that investigators found indications of ongoing abuse involving various items within the home.
Key Facts of the Case
- Victim: 10-year-old Malayshia Alford
- Suspect: 36-year-old foster parent Carprice Williams
- Last Seen: Oct. 22 at a Philadelphia home
- Body Recovered: Wednesday night in New Jersey
- Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma (homicide)
- Next Court Date: Preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 23
Legal Proceedings and Official Responses
Williams was denied bail during a court appearance on Friday and has been appointed a public defender. A spokesperson for the Defender Association of Philadelphia declined to comment on the case. When questioned about how Malayshia was placed in the home, Krasner stated that additional information regarding the placement will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a statement emphasizing that local law enforcement, the district attorney's office, and the FBI "will cross every 'T' and dot every 'I' to uncover all of the facts associated with this heinous and horrific tragedy, and to seek justice for Malayshia."
During the press conference, Nafis Horne, the brother of Malayshia's biological father, expressed gratitude to the community. "I thank everybody for supporting me and my family during this difficult time," Horne said. "Keep us in your prayers because it's tough right now."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is charged in the murder of Malayshia Alford?
Carprice Williams, a 36-year-old foster parent, has been charged with murder, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and several other related offenses.
Where was Malayshia Alford found?
Following a dayslong search, Malayshia's body was found on Wednesday night in the trunk of a vehicle located in New Jersey.
What was the cause of death?
According to a preliminary autopsy, the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.