The heartbreaking case of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris has taken another devastating turn after South Carolina authorities confirmed that some of the little girl’s remains have been recovered from a reservoir, months after investigators say she was killed by her parents.
During a news conference, Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer announced that forensic teams recovered partial remains from Cedar Creek Reservoir in Fairfield County. DNA testing confirmed the remains were consistent with being the biological child of Javeayah’s parents, Michilae Herring and Johmarea Harris.
Investigators allege the child’s parents attempted to conceal the crime by using corrosive chemicals to destroy her body before disposing of the remains in the reservoir. Sheriff Sawyer said the extensive damage makes it unlikely that all of Javeayah’s remains will ever be recovered.
According to investigators, Javeayah suffered a traumatic brain injury during alleged physical abuse, and authorities believe she died roughly a month before she was reported missing on June 30. Prosecutors say her mother failed to seek medical treatment, and investigators contend the disappearance report was part of an effort to cover up the child’s death.
The case began as a massive search for the missing 4-year-old, with nearly 200 law enforcement officers, search teams, drones, helicopters, K-9 units, and the FBI assisting in the effort. Days later, investigators announced they believed Javeayah had already been dead for weeks before the 911 call reporting her missing.
Both Michilae Herring and Johmarea Harris have been charged with homicide by child abuse. They now also face additional charges related to the destruction and desecration of human remains. Herring is also charged with filing a false police report. Both have been denied bond as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Sawyer described the investigation as one of the most horrific cases he has encountered in nearly four decades in law enforcement, saying investigators remain committed to seeking justice for Javeayah despite the challenges in recovering all of her remains.
