Missing girl, 4, presumed dead despite search as both parents face criminal charges

A massive search and rescue operation was launched when Javeayah Harris, 4, was reported missing, with helicopters, drones, dogs and hundreds of police and volunteers combing more than 3,000 acres

A little girl at the centre of a huge missing persons search in South Carolina is now presumed dead after her parents were charged over her death.

Javeayah Harris, four, was reported missing, triggering a massive multi-agency search involving helicopters, drones, police dogs and hundreds of officers.

Aiken County cops have now said they believe the youngster had already died at least a month before she was first reported missing.

The police hunt for Javeayah has now switched from a frantic search operation to a homicide investigation, although her body has yet to be found.

Her father, Johmarea Harris, 23, has been charged with homicide by child abuse. Her mother, Michilae Herring, 22, has been charged with homicide by child abuse and filing a false police report.

The pair are both behind bars as police investigations into the whereabouts of their daughter’s body continue.

Authorities say evidence uncovered during the investigation led detectives to conclude Javeayah was already dead when the emergency call reporting her disappearance was made on June 30.

Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer Jr. said: “Sadly, it was already too late to save her the moment the 911 call came in.”

Investigators are now continuing their search for the four-year-old’s remains outside Aiken County.

The initial search and rescue operation covered more than 3,000 acres using helicopters, drones, K-9 teams and hundreds of law enforcement personnel.

Now court documents show that both parents allegedly admitted the child had died, although police have not yet located her body. Investigators have said that further charges could follow as their investigation continues.

Meanwhile heartbroken locals have left a sea of flowers, teddy bears and balloons outside the family’s home as devastated residents pay tribute to the youngster.

Hundreds of volunteers from the local community joined in search efforts for the little girl after she was first reported missing. One local resident said: “She captured our hearts.”

Authorities previously described her as a bright and talkative little girl who loved Minnie Mouse and chasing chickens.

Sheriff Sawyer thanked the agencies and volunteers who assisted in the search and offered condolences to Javeayah’s extended family. Despite the grim developments, he vowed officers would continue searching until they find her.

He added: “Our search for Javeayah drives on. It is still extremely important that we bring her home.”