A 9-year-old girl died in Paulsboro, New Jersey, after suffering injuries that prosecutors say resulted from severe physical abuse. Her mother, India L. Miller, 27, and stepfather, Sean D. Scott, 45, have been arrested and charged in connection with her death.
According to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, police went to the family’s home shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, after receiving a report that a child was not breathing. Officers found Maya Thomas unresponsive inside the residence. She had facial trauma and bruising across her body.
Maya was taken to a hospital, where she later died. Authorities said her injuries were inconsistent with the account initially provided by the adults in the home. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.
Parents Allegedly Reported a Vehicle Collision
Investigators said Miller and Scott initially told authorities that Maya may have been struck by a vehicle while walking the family dog.
Scott reportedly said Maya had been outside when she was possibly hit by a car. Miller told investigators that she heard what sounded like screeching tires before Scott went outside and found Maya near a backyard shed.
Medical personnel determined that Maya’s injuries were inconsistent with a vehicle collision. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the area and found no evidence of vehicle traffic matching the reported circumstances.
Authorities allege that Miller and Scott attempted to mislead investigators about what happened to Maya.
Investigation Uncovers Allegations of Prolonged Abuse
Investigators reported finding evidence suggesting that Maya may have experienced long-term abuse.
According to court documents and NJ.com, Maya had multiple injuries, including broken ribs in different stages of healing and other serious internal injuries. The medical examiner determined that multiple blunt-force injuries caused her death.
Investigators also reported finding suspected blood in the family’s bathroom and on cleaning supplies inside the home.
According to court documents, Maya’s 4-year-old sibling told investigators that Scott had struck Maya in the face and eyes. That account is part of the criminal investigation.
The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency is separately investigating allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Those allegations remain under investigation.
Grandmother Says Maya Was Isolated
Maya’s maternal grandmother, Lynn Miller, told NJ.com that she helped raise Maya in Las Vegas from about 18 months old until the child was 7.
According to her grandmother, Maya later moved to New Jersey with her mother to live with Scott. Lynn Miller said communication with Maya eventually stopped.
She also alleged that Maya was homeschooled to prevent others from seeing signs of abuse.
“She was a happy, carefree girl,” Lynn Miller said, according to NJ.com.
Mother and Stepfather Face Multiple Charges
Authorities charged Miller and Scott with murder, accomplice to murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, making a fictitious report to police and hindering prosecution.
Both were taken into custody and are being held at the Salem County Jail pending further court proceedings.
The investigation, including the separate inquiry into the abuse allegations, remains ongoing. The charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Community Mourns Maya Thomas
Maya’s death has devastated her relatives and prompted an outpouring of grief in Paulsboro. Community members gathered for a candlelight vigil on October 16 to remember her and support those mourning her loss.
The case has also renewed concerns about child abuse, isolation and the importance of reporting suspected mistreatment.
As the criminal proceedings continue, Maya’s family is seeking answers about what happened to her.
Y’all Know What sends condolences to Maya Thomas’s loved ones and everyone mourning her loss. May her memory be honored, and may the investigation bring accountability and answers for her family.
