WARNING: Details of this story contain allegations that may be disturbing for readers/viewers. Discretion is advised.
AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer said Thursday that it’s unlikely that all remains of four-year-old Javeayah Harris will be located.
Sawyer said an investigation found the girls’ parents, Michilae Herring and Johnmarea Harris, allegedly used “corrosive chemicals and other tools” in an effort to destroy evidence after Javeayah was killed.
Johmarea Harris (left), Javeayah Harris (middle), Michilae Herring (right)(Courtesy: Aiken County Sheriff’s Office)
According to Sawyer, the two then poured what remains were left into the Cedar Creek Reservoir in Fairfield County – where he said some remains were recovered.
DNA analysis of those remains found they were consistent with being the biological offspring of Michilae Herring and Johnmarea Harris.
“I want to also share with you that through forensic evidence, statements, and analysis, extensive and deliberate efforts were made to destroy and conceal evidence following Javeayah death,” said Sawyer.
Sawyer added that he had never “heard of anything so horrific” in his near-four-decade career.
He also said it’s unlikely that any more of Javeayah’s remains will be recovered, and that it’s beleived the girl was dead for around a month before Herring first called 911 to report her missing on June 30.
“It’s unlikely that the entirety of Javeayah’s body or any other remains from this point forward will be recovered,” said Sawyer. “We had all hoped and prayed to find her body, but with the information we’ve uncovered, that’s simply not possible.
The sheriff also said Michilae Herring and Johnmarea Harris will be facing more charges for destruction and desecration of human remains.
Sawyer also thanked the Aiken County community for their outpouring of support, and asked to keep Javeayah’s remaining family in their thoughts and prayers.
This is a breaking news update. Stay with WIS for more details.
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