Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced murder charges Thursday against 36-year-old Caprice Williams following the death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford, whose body was discovered late Wednesday night inside the trunk of a car parked at an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey.
Malayshia had been the subject of a 10-day search that involved local police, FBI agents, and community members after she disappeared from her West Philadelphia home. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski stated that investigators believe the child was last seen alive on Oct. 22 at her residence on the 500 block of North Simpson Street, where she lived with Williams for about two years.
Home surveillance video reveals body removal
The breakthrough in the disappearance came after investigators obtained home surveillance video from Oct. 26. According to officials, the footage from approximately 1:53 a.m. appears to show a body being removed from the North Simpson Street home. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski noted that the video led law enforcement to a suspect vehicle and a related witness. That witness ultimately guided authorities to the location of the body.
Police found Malayshia’s remains around 11 p.m. Wednesday inside a Lincoln sedan at the Stonington Court Apartments on the 1800 block of Laurel Road in Lindenwold, Camden County. Law enforcement sources indicated the girl’s body was transferred to another vehicle before being left in South Jersey. The New Jersey Medical Examiner determined that the 10-year-old died from blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide. Prosecutors stated there were indications that the child had been physically abused, with objects potentially used to inflict injuries.
Did You Know? Caprice Williams worked as a teacher for the Philadelphia School District, according to payroll records, and the victim attended the Robert E. Lamberton School.
Williams delays reporting child missing
Authorities stated that Williams did not report Malayshia missing until the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 26. According to the victim’s aunt, Yolanda Brown, Williams had initially claimed that Malayshia left the Simpson Street home to walk to a bus stop for school on the morning of Oct. 26 but failed to return. Brown also stated that Williams called to say the biological mother had taken the child, though police and family members quickly disproved that claim. Law enforcement sources noted inconsistencies in Williams’ timeline, pointing out that the child did not attend school on Friday, Oct. 23, or the following Monday.
Williams faces multiple charges, including murder, abuse of a corpse, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, and tampering with evidence. Police have also questioned at least one other person suspected of helping dispose of the remains using a relative’s car.
Community Grief and the Legal Proceedings Ahead
As the legal process moves forward, community members and school officials continue to mourn. The School District of Philadelphia released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of the Robert E. Lamberton School student. Residents in West Philadelphia gathered to tie pink and white balloons outside the North Simpson Street home and share memories of a shy, smart child with three siblings.
During a press conference on Thursday, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel addressed the tragedy, emphasizing that the child deserved safety, love, and a chance to grow up. Mayor Cherelle Parker released a statement on the girl’s death. District Attorney Larry Krasner promised a vigorous and just prosecution. Meanwhile, Malayshia’s family attended the briefing to ask for privacy as they prepare funeral arrangements, thanking the public for support during the search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific charges does Caprice Williams face?
Williams is charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, and tampering with evidence.
Where was Malayshia Alford’s body found?
Police found Malayshia’s body inside the trunk of a Lincoln sedan parked at the Stonington Court Apartments on the 1800 block of Laurel Road in Lindenwold, Camden County, New Jersey, around 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
When was Malayshia last seen alive by investigators?
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski stated that investigators believe Malayshia was last seen alive on Oct. 22 at her home on North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia.
What steps will law enforcement take next as they examine whether additional individuals played a role in the disposal of the evidence?