AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – A choked-up Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer says some of Javeayah Harris’ remains have been recovered after her body was dissolved by chemicals and “poured” into a lake.
He offered this latest update on the death of the 4-year-old during a news conference Thursday morning.
“This past week has been heart-wrenching for everyone,” he said.
Authorities allege the girl died after not being taken for medical treatment following abuse at the hands of her mother.
Deputies believe Javeayah probably died about a month before her mother reported her missing last week.
The parents, Michilae Herring and Johmarea Harris, had already been arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse before Thursday. Both were denied bond on those offenses, and now will face additional charges.
Church that sheltered searchers marks one week in Javeayah Harris case(WRDW)
“There are some very harsh words I’d like to use” about the parents, Sawyer said. “I will not refer to them as mom and dad or mother and father. They don’t deserve that title.”
He called this case one of the most difficult and deeply taxing investigations his office has seen.
“It’s weighed heavily on our community,” he said.
The recovery of remains
Sawyer said he was “truly sickened” by what the investigation has uncovered.
A few human remains were recovered in Cedar Creek Reservoir. DNA tests show they are the biological offspring of the parents, Sawyer said.
“Extensive and deliberate efforts were made to destroy and conceal evidence following Javeayah’s death,” Sawyer said.
He said corrosive chemicals and other tools were used to “accelerate” the destruction of her body.
Afterward, the parents “poured” what was left into the reservoir, he said, calling the actions “repulsive and revolting.”
“These subjects went to great lengths to cover their revolting and repulsive actions,” he said.
As a result, it’s doubtful that all of the girl’s remains will ever be recovered, Sawyer said.
“In my 37 years in law enforcement, I have never, ever heard of anything so horrific,” he said.
Additional charges of destruction and desecration of human remains are being filed against the parents.
“Our commitment has been to pursue the truth, regardless of how difficult it may be,” Sawyer said.
“While today marks a painful chapter in this case it does not mark the end,” he said, adding that his staff will continue to work to see that justice is pursued.
He praised the support the community has shown for Javeayah.
“Even in the face of tragedy, compassion, unity and service remain stronger than the darkness we’ve encountered,” he said.
Sawyer was flanked at the news conference by dozens of staff members from his office, many of them wearing pink ribbons and ties in recognition of Javeayah’s favorite color.
The latest update came after investigators were at the family home Tuesday night on Hillsboro Street. They posted crime tape, went into the home and spent time digging through the woods adjacent to the home.
Staff from the Aiken County Coroner’s Office were there, too.
A law enforcement source told News 12 they weren’t looking for the body but for evidence.
In another part of the state, there had been a dayslong search going on in Fairfield County at the Debutary Creek access point.
That’s the site of the reservoir, which is also known as Stumpy Pond.
PHOTO GALLERY: THE SEARCH FOR GIRL’S REMAINS
After several days of searching, authorities weren’t there Wednesday. They’d lifted the roadblocks that had been up all week.
That seemed to be a sign that something had been found.
Makeshift memorial
Meanwhile, mourners continue to bring items to add to a makeshift memorial around the mailbox of the family home.
Donna Chavis visited the memorial Wednesday.
PHOTO GALLERY: MEMORIAL FOR JAVEAYAH
“I wish I could put my arms around her and take a hold of me like that,” Chavis said. “That’s how bad it is to all of us mothers. We’ve cried as many tears the last week. I mean, I didn’t even know this child. And I cried and cried and cried. It’s just sick. And I feel very terrible.”
Around 100 people in total showed up Tuesday evening in a more organized gathering.
How to help
If you have any video, photographs, or documents concerning the events related to Javeayah, you can upload those files using this link: https://aikensheriffsc.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/hillsboroharris.
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