DETROIT — A person already in jail on sexual assault expenses was charged with homicide Thursday within the disappearance of a 13-year-old Detroit woman who has been lacking since leaving faculty in January.
The “overwhelming proof” exhibits that Na’Ziyah Harris is lifeless, although her stays nonetheless haven’t been discovered, prosecutor Kym Worthy mentioned.
Investigators consider Jarvis Butts, 41, killed the woman as a result of she was pregnant together with his youngster, Worthy mentioned.
His “alleged actions had been past predatory,” she mentioned. “They had been vulturous: He groomed and preyed upon Na’Ziyah with experience.”
Butts was charged with homicide and different crimes. He has been in jail since April, unable to submit a $250,000 bond in a separate case. A message looking for remark from his lawyer was not instantly returned.
Police for months have been chasing recommendations on Na’Ziyah, even looking a Detroit river and suburban pond. Worthy mentioned a chunk of her clothes was discovered, indicating a doable wrestle.
Na’Ziyah knew Butts as a result of he had youngsters along with her aunt. Worthy mentioned he started sending sexually express messages to the woman in 2022.
On Jan. 9, the day of her disappearance, Na’Ziyah used her pill to inform Butts that she would meet him after faculty, Worthy mentioned.
The prosecutor talked to reporters whereas standing in entrance of a selfie taken by a smiling Na’Ziyah at college that very same day.
“That can at all times be haunting,” Worthy mentioned. “As a result of it was taken simply a short while earlier than the proof exhibits that she was by no means seen or heard from once more. … Little did she know that she was actually saying goodbye.”
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