Philadelphia teacher charged in murder of missing 10-year-old girl

A Philadelphia school teacher has been charged with murder in the death of a 10-year-old girl who disappeared from her home in October. Carprice Williams, a foster parent, faces seven charges announced by the city's District Attorney's Office on Thursday. The charges relate to the homicide of Malayshia Alford.

The girl's body was discovered around 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night. It was found in the trunk of a vehicle in Lindenwold, New Jersey. This discovery ended a ten-day search that involved police, the FBI, family members, and community volunteers across the region.

District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that Alford was last believed to be alive on Thursday, October 22, at her home in West Philadelphia. She attended school that day and was seen returning home. She did not attend school the next day. Police received a report that she was missing on Monday, October 26.

Video surveillance captured around 1:53 a.m. on October 26 showed what officials believe was her body being moved from the residence. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said this footage helped guide the investigation. Law enforcement located a suspect vehicle and interviewed an individual connected to it. That witness led investigators to the body in New Jersey.

A preliminary postmortem examination determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Williams has been charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of an instrument of crime, recklessly endangering another person, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse.

Sources told FOX 29 that Williams worked as a teacher within the School District of Philadelphia. The school district released a statement saying it was heartbroken by the tragic death of the Robert E. Lamberton student. The district asked the public to direct questions about the investigation to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Marquita Brown, the victim's aunt, addressed the media on Thursday. She said the girl's parents loved her and asked the community to respect the family's privacy during the coming days. Brown thanked those who joined the search effort and noted the difficulty of the situation for the family.

Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson said the case was troubling because a child entrusted to the care of others had been harmed. She called for answers and accountability. Special Agent Wayne Jacobs of the FBI said the work was not finished and that officials remained committed to pursuing the truth.

Officials said the criminal investigation remains active. Krasner indicated that more details would be shared as the case progresses and information is corroborated. Authorities have not disclosed whether other individuals may face charges. They also have not released details about items used in the crime, citing the need to protect witnesses and the integrity of the investigation.

The family is preparing for upcoming court proceedings. The case is being handled by the DAO's Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit. Police and FBI officials continue to coordinate their efforts to hold the defendant accountable.