Hidden True Crime - DERANGED Parents Dissolve Little Girl & Report Her Missing Weeks Later? | Javeayah Harris Full Story

Episode Date: July 11, 2026

A frantic 911 call. A missing 4-year-old girl. Hundreds of law enforcement officers searching thousands of acres. Then, in a devastating twist, investigators say the entire story was a lie. In this episode, Lauren Matthias breaks down the shocking case of Javeayah Harris, including the 911 call, family interviews, court documents, arrest warrants, confessions, and the disturbing evidence that led investigators to charge both of her parents with homicide. Sponsor: Beam- Head to: https://shopbeam.com/TRUECRIME and use code TRUECRIME for up to 35% off About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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I can't find my baby. 39 Hillsborough Street. Yes, ma'am. She was outside playing, and I came out here at the cookie dinner a little bit, and I'm looking for her, but I don't fool her nowhere. All right. How old is this baby? She's four. It was June 30th when that 911 call came in, a parent's worst nightmare. A mom worried about her little girl now missing. Javea Harris' mom says that she last saw her buy a chicken coop before calling 911.

A search ensued in Aiken County, South Carolina for the four-year-old with braided hair, complete with pink beads that matched her pink pajamas, her favorite color. And then, in an unbelievable twist, while all of this was unfolding, this same mother, pregnant and seemingly dealing with the stress of her daughter's disappearance, she goes into labor. So while hundreds of investigators and volunteers searched desperately for Javea, another child is being born into the middle of this unfolding tragedy. Can you imagine? Yeah, neither could we.

Like many of you, we've been following this case closely. It's heartbreaking. and it is still unfolding. And what we've uncovered is nothing less than shocking. We have everything you need to know, from court docs to family statements to those tells that you hear someone say during a news interview that makes you second guess everything and realize this might be worse than you could ever imagine. It has left me questioning, not just who did this, but how could this? and why? My name is Lauren Mathias, and this is hidden true crime. There are some cases that spark

an almost immediate feeling of deja vu, and Javea Harris is definitely one of those cases. Remember missing baby Emmanuel Harrow? We covered that story for days last August 2025, and just like Javea's case, it all began with a frantic 911 call. Emmanuel's mother, Rebecca, claimed to stranger snatched her little boy right out of her arms in the parking lot of a Big Five sporing goods store. And within our search teams mobilized, volunteers showed up by the hundreds, hoping someone would find Emmanuel before it was too late. Rebecca and her husband, Jay Caro, they appeared before news cameras tearfully pleading for their son's safe return. They begged the public for help. They thanked volunteers. they spoke directly to the person they claimed had taken Emmanuel.

But it was all a lie. There was no mysterious kidnapper. There was no abduction. Jake Harrow ultimately pleaded guilty to murder. Rebecca Harrow pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Yeah, it was horrific and heartbreaking and unfathomable. And I bring up Emmanuel's case because the one we're discussing today is on almost freakishly similar and remains simply, as I put earlier, unfathomable.

It begins also with another frantic 911 call, another child reported missing, another massive search involving countless officers, volunteers, and community members determined to bring Javea home. And then came the interviews, the inconsistencies, the evidence that didn't quite fit, and ultimately another devastating ending. How? Why? We're going to go through everything to try to make sense of the senseless. Let's start where this case really began that 9-1-1 call because that's the moment that sets

everything else into motion. That call was placed by Michelle Haering on June 30th at, 8.43 p.m. from her home in Aiken, South Carolina. Take a listen. Aiken County 911, where is your emergency? Um, man, I'm at 39 Hillsborough Street. I can't find my baby. 39 Hillsborough Street. Yes, ma'am. She was outside playing, and I came out here at the cookie dinner a little bit, and I'm looking for her, but I don't put her nowhere. All right. How old is this baby? She's four.

All right. What was she wearing? She has on pink Minnie Mouse pajamas, and she had in pink beads. She has braids. Is she black, white, Hispanic? She's me. Okay. How long ago did you see her, ma'am? What was the last time you saw her?

Oh, I just came out here like no left. It told me to 30 minutes ago. I went in the house to cook dinner, and I told her, it's time to come in once it start getting dark. And when I came out here, I just, I came by her. Okay, okay. breath from you, okay? I already have them on the way to you, okay? Do you know where she might be heading? Okay, you have any family or friends that live around the area? She usually try to take in the cats from her, and I just, I've been looking through the woods,

just try to see if I see her, but I don't, I don't see her nowhere. What's your name? My name is Michelin. What's her name? Harris. Harris? I couldn't hear the first name. J-Vey-A-V-E-A-H. And I wasn't out here. I'm 39 weeks pregnant.

I can't keep up with her like that. Okay. Anybody else out there with her, like that was out there with her? Any friends, kids playing with her? The way our yard is set up, it's nothing but the dogs and the tics right here at the back. Okay. Does she have any health issues? any mental issues anything like that?

They sustained if she was attended, but she's just now trying to pull. They don't have no diet. No, she's all the way. Okay. She's very smart, though. She don't see my teeth. Does she talk? Yeah, yeah.

She could carry a full conversation. Okay, you didn't see any vehicles before you went inside or anything like that? No, but what worries me is these Craig is and wealth in his house behind house. I don't know. I've always so weird about them and I just

I don't know I'm still here ma'am just a second my call might be breaking up because of what we're at okay

what's a good callback number for you ma'am um ma'am I don't have one my phone is not on but I can see a call 911 okay

yeah oh my god okay I'm on the way to you just to confirm where Where was she in the house when you saw her last? No, she wasn't in the house, ma'am.

She's been playing outside today. And she asked me, can she play for a little bit more before it got dark? And I said yes. And I literally, her bath water is in the tall red and dinner is cooking and I came out here to get her. And I can't even find her. Okay, is there a certain place she likes to play outside? Usually in a ticket coop and that's usually where I find her every day. I just look in here and see she's not in here.

Is there any bodies of water nearby? Um, I don't know ma'am. Me and my husband just now purchased in this house. I don't know about this area much, but it's not a good area. I'll tell you that. It's not good. Okay, you say you searched the woods. Is that behind your house?

Yes, it's like a pavoy right behind my house. And we usually take the dog sometimes, and we say, sometimes in the woods to just let them run and she'll come so I know she knows about wood but I look down the same way that we walk and I don't see her okay and you said she was wearing pink Mickey I'm sorry Minnie Mouse pajamas anything else you may be wearing her her bees are pink beets are pink yeah she's got braids I mean I don't know she got on cross or which shoes because she just put his own play shoes but I don't ma'am it's not no way she could have got far all right are you do you have any neighbors around the area that you're familiar with she might be

going to no we don't talk to none of these things none of these people because they all mostly do drugs I don't I don't associate myself with that have you checked with neighbors to see if they have seen her No, ma'am. I'm literally like, I called you like 10 minutes after I step outside. The cops are pulling up right now. All right. Go ahead and talk to them, okay? Okay, thank you. All right, no problem. Listening to that call, you hear what sounds like a mother in complete panic. She's frantic. She's terrified and doesn't know where her four-year-old daughter has gone. She tells the dispatcher that Javea was wearing mini-mouse pajamas and has pejamas and has peasanted. pink beads at the ends of her braids. According to Michellea, she had left Javea outside playing for about 30 to 40 minutes while she went inside to cook dinner. She said that she told Javea, who again,

was only four years old, to come inside before it got dark. During the call, Michelle also explained that she was 39 weeks pregnant, making it difficult for her to keep up with such an active little girl. She also mentioned that doctors believe Javea may have autism. We'll hear more about that later. But at the same time, Michellea described her daughter as very smart and said she could carry on conversations with people. So another thing that stood out from the call was that Michelle said she worried about what she described as crackheads. Yeah, crackheads walking around the neighborhood. And if that's true, think about this. It naturally raises. questions about why a four-year-old would be left outside alone in the first place

with the direction, hey, just come in before dark and then hear that she might even have autism. And now we're throwing out that there might be crackheads in the neighborhood. It's strange. But according to Michelle, she had even gone so far as to run Javea's bath expecting her to come inside after plane. The 911 call ended once deputies arrived at the home. So the two central people in this story, beyond precious Javea, are her parents, 23-year-old Jamaria, Kavana, Harris, and 22-year-old Michelle Hayring. That means, with their ages, that they were still both teenagers themselves when Javeo was born. They entered adulthood, caring one of life's biggest responsibilities, raising a child,

and most importantly, keeping that child safe. Once deputies arrived at the home, a massive search operation got underway almost immediately. Investigators released Javei's photo and description to the public. Roadblocks were established throughout the neighborhood as deputies went door to door. Interviewing neighbors, search teams combed through more than 3,000 acres on foot, while helicopters, drones, and canine units searched from the ground and on the air. The sheriff contacted the FBI almost immediately to assist with the investigation and help analyze digital evidence. Local law enforcement, the FBI, sled, the South Carolina Highway Patrol,

K-9 teams, drone operators, and numerous other agencies all joined the search effort. Before long, hundreds of personnel were searching thousands of acres surrounding the family's home. Digital billboards displaying Javea's picture were put up across the area, and investigators even created a website where members of the public could submit tips and upload surveillance footage. Sheriff Marty Sawyer said that because so many trained professionals were already involved, that they weren't asking volunteers to physically join the search quite yet. Instead, he urged anyone living nearby to thoroughly check their own property anywhere a small child could have hidden and to continue sharing Javea's photo and praying for her safe return.

As investigators spoke with people in the community, they interviewed a Rita Andrews. Rita Andrews is an employee at a convenience store along Pipeline Road, and she said that she regularly saw Javea and her family coming into the store, but realized that she hadn't seen them recently. She told reporters, quote, they was just your regular, you know, this is the neighborhood convenience store, and they would come in pretty frequent. You would always see the kid and everything seemed fine, end quote. But unfortunately, the case, also I want to point out, did not meet the legal requirements for an Amber Alert because there was no evidence that Javea had been taken in a vehicle.

But despite that, her picture spread rapidly across social media, which is where, I saw it. I couldn't stop thinking about that beautiful face and those beautiful eyes. Facebook groups dedicated to finding her popped up almost overnight. Community vigils were organized and countless strangers began sharing her story, hoping someone somewhere had seen this little girl and could help bring her safely home. And then, again, in this sort of unbelievable twist, while all of this was unfolding, as I mentioned, another major event happened. Something I don't talk about a lot is what happens after we finish recording, because covering these cases, you don't just turn it off.

There are nights where my body is exhausted. I'm ready for bed, but my brain is still going, replaying everything. I've always struggled with sleep. That's no secret. I've shared about my insomnia here. And for a while, I had this nightly ritual with Beam Dream that was, really intentional. This year got busy, really busy. Late nights turned into researching, writing, keeping up with everything. And honestly, I stopped prioritizing sleep. I skip the

ritual and I felt it. So I have been trying to get back to myself and that starts with how I end my day. I have brought beam dream back into my routine and it's becoming that signal again. The day is over. That's what it means. I'll make a cup. Sometimes I'll put a little bit of hot milk or oat milk in it, just sit for a few minutes. No phone, no notes, just letting my body catch up. What I love is that it doesn't knock me out. It just helps me slow down and fall asleep naturally. It's made with things like magnesium and alfionine, rishi mushroom. It's low calorie, 15 to 20 calories with no sugar, no dairy, no gluten. I've noticed I'm falling to sleep a lot faster. I'm not waking up in the middle of the night and I actually wake up feeling rested,

which everyone is happy about because as a mom and a wife, that matters. I need energy. I need patience that starts with sleep. For me, this isn't a quick fix. It's just a small nightly rhythm that helps me wind down and improve everything else in my life. So if you've been struggling with sleep too, you can check it out at shopbeam.com slash true crime and use code true crime for up to 30% off your first order. I've linked it below. The QR code is on the screen. And honestly, if anything, this is just a reminder, even a few minutes at night to slow down, get rid of those screens, it can make more of a difference than you know. So again, as you heard in that 911 call, Michelle was already 39 weeks pregnant.

The stress of her daughter's disappearance appears to have sent her into labor. So that very same night, Javea's reported missing, Michelle was taken to the hospital. And yes, she gave birth to a baby girl. Javea's little sister. So while hundreds of investigators and volunteers searched desperately for one child, another little girl, Javea's little sister, was being born in the middle of this unfolding tragedy. Now, the next thing I want to go over is an interview that Javea's father, Jumaria, gave a reporter named Will with WRDW. I want to listen to this interview. I want to talk through it as we go through this interview.

Because if you've followed true crime for any amount of time, I'm willing to bet that you'll notice quite a few things that stand out. According to Jamaria, while Javea was outside plane, he had gone out to run a few errands. He said he stopped at several different stores to pick things up like candy, cookies, black and milds, and drinks. He also said he had clothes washing at the laundromat and went to check on them. He told Will, the reporter Will, that while he was out, he noticed a large police presence in the area.

But at the time, he had no idea that they were responding to his own house. Take a listen. I got up around five-ish, and my daughter was outside playing. My girl was out there watching her. She was in and out of the house. I say that. and I was going to get up to wash the clothes. Chad, what else can I say?

I left the house around, what, six, like late, late, maybe like early seven. It was probably around like sticks. And I got back to the house, maybe around 715. Because my girl and my daughter said they wanted some candy. She wanted some suckers and she wanted some cookies. and I had went to like three, three stores, maybe in between those times, go get gas, blacker mouths, and I had them got some drinks,

like some little mad dogs and stuff like that. And when I went, I left and I went back to draw the clothes because I was watching them. I was sitting there for a little minute, and I ended up going to another store. Like, these three stores, what I'm saying? Like, I saw it three stores already, but I went to a store last. And then I was back at the, yeah, I was back there at the washing machine that was right beside the Circle K. Then when I was at the circle K, I was seeing a lot of police and stuff going through. And I was wondering. I was like, you know what I'm saying? You know, a lot of stuff goes on.

It's aching to everybody. You could be like, okay, that's the police or whatever. But you know, I didn't know it was in my house. My girlfriend at the time, she didn't have service. She didn't have service on her phone. So she couldn't call me to let me know anything that was going on. So she just ended up calling 911. So when I came back to the house, before I got on my road, I seen a police truck, a bit of drawn out. And then that's when I started to, because I was like it's something going down like close to my house when I got her turn on my road I seen a whole bunch of policers like right at my house right that's when I hurried up and I got to the house and I was like what's going on I thought my girlfriend was in labor because she was supposed to have a baby

you know what I'm saying so she ended up having a child that same that same night on july first but she came up crying to me saying my jabea missing and I'm like what the fuck like I kind of freaked out and the detectives were telling me I couldn't go look and stuff like that because anyone missed up the area or whatever. But that's basically what happened until all it just came about. Jamaria went on to say that Javea wasn't known to wander off, but that she was extremely friendly.

He said she didn't understand stranger danger and would talk to just about anyone. But I want you to pay close attention to what he says here. And maybe even more importantly, how he says it. Okay. Is she known to run away? Like, has there been past issues with that?

With her, are she known to do that? No, she does not run away, but I will say that she is friendly. Like, she's friendly. Like, she doesn't, like, it's not a stranger danger thing with her. It's not like a, oh, get away from me. Like, she didn't get that.

She didn't understand that. She was just all friendly to everybody. She was very restrictive. Like, yes, ma'am, no, ma'am, yes, sir, no, sir. Like, that's what she do. We raised her great. like she was a real smart kid that's why like they had me kind of like messed up but they were saying that she was not like she's non-verbal in that like yeah she was that since she's autistic and

like that was like the media was like messing mess up but that was messing my head a little bit because they don't even have a good description of my child to try to describe her what what's a good is she autistic or is she on the spectrum at all is that true she was on the special when she was born but she could they said that she couldn't be tested and she was four years old. Okay, so it's on, you guys just don't know. Exactly. We never gave, got her tested and she's never given a sign that she is, you know, autistic. She's talks good. She's like very like she's, she's talking better than me. She got more respected me. Understood. So you guys had no idea what could have happened her.

I have no clue. Like, sir, I don't. I don't. I don't. I don't I don't like it's really wild but I had like I said I had I gave all these the detectives information about people snooping around the house late in it's like since I've started work like from Friday well Thursday really but from Friday to Monday I had to work I was working night chills and every time I left um my girl with like what she would tell me like oh it's it's been people doing this and then the third around the eye they can call by they be on the phone with people like around. I was like just talking and walking real slow and things like that.

And I've been telling them that, but. How are you doing through all of this? I mean, I didn't, I mean, I didn't got that. It's okay. I didn't got, I didn't got a little bit of that out, but it's like not knowing is, it's killing me. It's killing me. like because like you see stuff like this often but you don't expect it to be you.

And is, uh, the mother is she your wife? No, she's not my wife. She was my girlfriend. Okay. Uh, how is she doing? She's, she's still a little tour, but she's making it. She's trying to stay calm because we just like I said, we just recently had a child. She had to go like really going labor early because the, uh, all the stress that was going down.

She had that baby the same night. all it is happening. I don't know about you, but one of the first things that jumped out at me was how often he spoke about Javea in the past tense. She was friendly. She was respectful. She was a really smart kid. Now, to be fair, people absolutely do use the past tense when talking not someone who is still alive. Stress, exhaustion, and the shock of a traumatic situation can affect the way people speak. Even the fear of what is, right? So I don't think it is ever fair to say that using the past tense automatically means someone is guilty. It does not. But it is something that a lot of true crime followers notice because we've seen it come up in other cases,

right? On its own, it doesn't prove anything at all. It's just one of those details that tends to stand out and that tends to linger in the minds of those following a case. One thing that caught my attention was how he described Michelle. He said she was, quote, a little tore up. Now look, maybe that was just an unfortunate choice of words. And yes, Michelle had literally just given birth. So physically and emotionally, she had an enormous amount going on. But personally, the wording surprised me. If my four-year-old had vanished without a trace and I had just given birth, a little tore up is not the phrase I'd expect to hear most parents, I believe, would probably be absolutely inconsolable, regardless of what else was happening. And of course, everyone processes trauma differently. Everyone shares their

personal emotions differently. So that's just my personal reaction to the wording. But that wrapped up the phone interview. And before ending the call, we'll ask Jamaria if they could meet in person later that day to do an on-camera interview. The goal was to get more information out to the public in hopes that someone, somewhere, might recognize Javea or come forward with a tip. And according to Will, Jumaria agreed. The two of them picked a location

and planned to meet just a few hours later. So what happened, Will and his cameraman, they showed up. They waited and waited. But Jamaria never came. He eventually called and said something along the lines of, hey, this is Will from News 12. But according to Will, the moment Jamaria realized who was calling, he hung up the phone.

Interesting. He never showed up with the interview, and he never spoke with Will again. Was it because he felt like he'd already said too much during the phone interview? Was it because investigators had started questioning him more aggressively? Or was there another explanation entirely? We don't know. What we do know is that, according to law enforcement, the story told during that interview and the story told during the 911 call, they were lies.

By July 3rd, it had been more than 48 hours since Javea had allegedly last been seen by her mother. And at that point, law enforcement stated publicly that there was no evidence that Javea had been abducted. Investigators initially believed it was possible that she had simply wandered away from the home, right? So search crews continued combing the area around Reynolds Pond Road, where she was reportedly last seen. And by then, they had now searched roughly 5,000 acres using deputies, canine teams, drones, helicopters, and countless other resources. But by the end of that day, investigators announced they were scaling back the search. At that time, the announcement confused a lot of people. Why would they scale back the search for a missing four-year-old after only a couple of days?

Something definitely didn't sound right. Well, now we know why. Investigators had uncovered information that led them to believe Javea had never wandered away at all. and then on the 4th of July, a day that Javea should have been enjoying fireworks and barbecues. Sheriff Marty Sawyer held another press conference, and this time he delivered the news that no one wanted to hear. He began by saying, quote, I am deeply saddened to tell you that our investigation and evidence leads us to believe four-year-old Javea Harris is deceased. It is the outcome that we all feared. And sadly, it is now what we face.

And we will face it together as a community. Take a listen. And we're gathered here, and I'm gathered here with all these law enforcement partners to make the hardest announcement that I've ever had to make in my 36 years' career in law enforcement. I'm deeply saddened to tell you that our investigation and evidence leads us to believe that four-year-old Javea Harris is deceased. It's the outcome that we all feared, and sadly, it's the outcome that we must face. We'll have to face it together as a community.

Our search for Javella drives on. We are continuing to put massive law enforcement resources to work, to recover, to cover Javella and bring her home. We all hoped and prayed to find her alive. But it's extremely important to bring her home to her family. And it's important to bring her home for us. We are currently searching an area of interest right now, not in Aiken County. And I am not disclosing where that's at. After that heartbreaking announcement, Sheriff Sawyer revealed that Javea's parents, Jamaria Harris, and Michelle Haring had both been arrested. Her parents, the two people that should have protected her over everyone else, had been arrested.

And both were charged with homicide by child abuse. And Michelle Haring was also charged with filing a false police report, perhaps even more shocking. Sheriff Sawyer announced that investigators believe, Javea had actually been dead for at least a month. Yeah, a month. Not days, not since the night of the 911 call, but for weeks before she was ever reported missing. Additional charges may be forthcoming. We'll figure that out as the investigation goes further. We have spoken to Javaya's extended family, and we'd ask that you respect their privacy. We can only have imagine what they're going through. We put every resource available to find

Javella and to bring her home safely. I want you to pay close attention in these next two sentences. This is very important. Sadly, the night of the 911 call on June the 30th, when that call was made, it was already too late to save Javea at this time our investigation reports that she had been deceased for at least a month. So naturally, the next question becomes, what evidence convinced investigators that Javea was dead? That answer is laid out in the arrest warrants, which we have.

Mishela's homicide warrant states, quote, upon information and belief, the defendant Mishela Herring, the mother of Javea Harris, four years of age caused the death of Javea, who was under the age of 11, while committing child abuse or neglect. The death occurred under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to human life by not seeking medical attention for Javea after knowing that she suffered injury, which was obtained from physical abuse. This information was obtained by the defendant's confession and co-defendants confession.

This happened between May 1st and June 15th of 2026, end quote. Her second warrant for filing a false police report states, quote, upon information and belief, the defendant Michelle Herring reported to the Aiken County Sheriff's Office that her daughter was missing and or abducted by another person. This was determined to be false. A search of the area and interviews revealed that she had not been abducted. Michelle admitted that she had disposed of Javea's body at another location.

And quote. Finally, Jumaria's homicide warrant reads, are you ready? You can never be ready for this, but here we go. Quote, upon information and belief, the defendant, Jamaria Kvante Harris, the father of Javea Harris caused the death of Javea, who is under the age of 11, while committing child abuse or neglect. The death occurred under circumstances demonstrating an extreme indifference to human life by not seeking medical attention for the victim after knowing the victim suffered a severe head injury, which was obtained from physical abuse by the victim's mother. This information was obtained by the defendant's confession and co-examination. co-defendants confession. This happened between May 1st and June 15th of 2026, end quote.

May 1st and June 15th. So, I mean, that's a good amount of time. That's a month and a half. But according to investigators, here's what they believe happened. They allege that Javea suffered a severe head injury as a result of physical abuse inflicted by her mother, Michellea. And rather than taking her to a hospital or seeking emergency medical care, investigators say both parents knowingly failed to get her treatment. And that decision, according to the warrants, ultimately led to Javea's death. And instead of reporting what happened, investigators say they concealed her death, disposed of her body, and created the story about a little girl vanishing while playing outside.

The story that launched a nationwide search for a child who, according to law enforcement, had already been gone four weeks. The following day, on Sunday, July 5th, both parents appeared before magistrate judge Ronald Thornton for their initial bond hearings. And since they were each charged with homicide by child abuse, the judge explained that bond could only be considered later in circuit court. For the time being, both Jamaria and Michelle were ordered to remain in custody without bond. During Michelle's hearing, she told the court that she worked for a company called Transcom and earned approximately $1,300 every two weeks. She asked the court to appoint her an attorney, but based on the financial information, she provided the judge

determined that she did not qualify for a public defender and would need to hire private counsel. It was interesting. Jamaria told the court that he had recently started a new job with D.H.L. Bridgestone, but hadn't yet received his first paycheck. Even so the judge reached the same conclusion that ruled that he also did not qualify for a court-appointed attorney at that time. Let's take a look at those hearings. My name is Judge Thornton. Today's date is July 5, 2006, and you were in Vaughn court. When bond is set and if you can meet the requirements, you will be released from this facility.

However, being released on bond will have no effect on your charge, charges or your day in court. Your release may necessitate contacting the bonding company for assistance. There is a list of local bonding company names and phone numbers in the back to help. You have the right to a jury trial. You also have the right and an obligation to attend all court proceedings. proceedings. If you choose not to attend, you may be tried in your absence. Bench warrant may be issued for your arrest and you could face additional charges. If your charges are dismissed or you're found out you also have the right and

to petition the court to have those charges expunged, which means that they will come off of your criminal history. You have the right to represent yourself or you can get your own attorney. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney to represent you. We will start the qualification process today, but it is up to you to follow up. For charges that will be heard in General Sessions Court, you contact the public defender's office to complete the application process. Court dates, times, and locations will be included in the paperwork that I'm about to give you, so don't try to keep up with anything in your head. For charges that will be heard in General Sessions Court, you have the right to a preliminary hearing.

A preliminary hearing does not determine if you are guilty or not guilty. It simply confirms if probable cause exists to move forward to trial with the charges that you face. If you want a preliminary hearing, you need to submit the formal we'll give you within 10 days, and that 10 days starts today. You will get a copy of everything that you sign. Understand that by signing, note that it is not an admission of guilt or anything other than a receipt of the documents as part of this bond hearing process. Please follow the deputy's guidance and sign an initial everywhere that it is highlighted.

in yellow. Do you understand that? Yes, sir. Ms. Herring, you've been charged with homicide by child abuse. Do you understand that? Yes, sir. You understand that if convicted, it carries up 20 years to life in prison. Yes, sir. You've also been charged with filing false police report of a felony violation. You understand that? Yes, sir. It carries up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine. You understand that? Yes, sir. Okay. Do you want to see if you qualify for a court appointed attorney or are you going to retain the services of this? Are you going to retain the services of your own legal counsel? Um, I can get public assistance.

Okay. So I answer a couple of questions for me. Are you employed? Yes, sir. And where you work? Transcom. Transcom? Yes, sir. Do you get paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly? monthly. About weekly. On average, what do you typically bring home every two weeks?

Um, 1300. Anybody else live in the household with you? Um, yes, sir, the father. So just one? Yes, sir. Is he doing anything to contribute to the financial status of the home? He worked at the HAL. All right, this time, you make too much money to qualify for a court-appointed attorney. So you're going to need to retain the services of legal counsel on your own. Do you want to see if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney or do you plan on contesting these charges by retaining your own legal counsel?

I don't have an attorney or not looking yet. Can you repeat questions? Let's just see if you qualify. So a court appointed attorney. Are you employed anywhere? Yes, sir. And where do you work? Do you know

Riches Say that again for me? Do you get paid weekly by weekly or monthly? What do you on average bring home every week? It was my first check. I have this evening. So you don't know? All right, besides you, how many us live in the household with you?

Okay, does she contribute to the financial status of the house as well? You also have a first initial court appearance. initial court appearance date set up for September 18th of this year at 9 a.m. in the main courtroom at the Aiton County Judicial Center, 109 Park Avenue southeast in Aiken. Once again, I'm trying to keep up with all these numbers and dates in your head. It'll be a part of the paperwork that I'll meet you in just a few minutes. Remember that you also have a right to request a preliminary hearing and

paperwork and included as well that you've got 10 days to start. that paperwork and that 10 days starts today. Now, with regards to the charge, you're here to have a bond set, but this court does not have the authority or the jurisdiction to set a bond for a sentence of a crime that could get you life and present. So today's bond is being denied, and it's also

being transferred to the circuit court. where a circuit court judge will hear this case within the next 30 days and a circuit court judge will set the bond for the charge but for now there is no bond I do not qualify you at this point for a court appointed attorney so it would be my advice to you to seek legal counsel to represent you as you move forward. By this point, though, one question weighed heavily on everyone's mind. Where was Javea?

According to investigators, after she died, her body remained inside the family's home for weeks, for weeks before it was eventually removed. As of that hearing, authorities still had not explained exactly what evidence led them to that conclusion. And despite both parents, allegedly confessing, investigators still had not recovered Javea's body. So that's interesting to me. The search didn't end with their arrest. It simply changed. Instead of searching for a missing child, investigators were now conducting a recovery operation. Search teams from SLED, the Fairfield County

Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources began searching heavily wooded areas and nearby waterways around access roads in the Great Falls area of Fairfield County. And meanwhile, thousands of people online continued following the case in real time. Some even tracked law enforcement helicopter flight paths and watched search teams from a distance desperately hoping for some sign that Javea had finally been found so she could be brought home to her family and lay to rest with dignity. And then, just this week, Sheriff Marty Sawyer held another press conference, and this one contained some of the most heartbreaking details that we have heard in this entire case.

This happened just yesterday. Take a listen. Good morning. I'm Marty Sawyer, and I'm the sheriff in Aiken County. Thank you for being here today, especially the citizens of Aiken, this country. in thank you for being here. And I'm here to provide an update on the investigation that we've been where we've been investigating the death of four-year-old Javea Harris. These updates never get easier to share. This past week has been heart-wrenching

for everyone, but we've seen an outpouring of support in Aiken County and a massive joint law enforcement effort to search for and now to seek justice for Javea Harris. Personally, there's some very harsh words that I would like to use about Jamaria and Meshela and their actions. But I will not do that. And I will not do that to protect and maintain the integrity of this case. case. But I will tell you this, I will not refer to them as mom and dad or mother or father. They don't deserve that title. I stand before you saying this is one of the most difficult, deeply disturbing, and emotionally taxing investigations. This office has ever worked and has waved heavily on this sheriff's office, all these other law enforcement agencies, all these

people behind me that's worked tirelessly to bring this to an end, and it's weighed heavily on our community. I am truly sickened to share what this investigation is uncovered. From the moment Jabaea was reported missing, the sheriff's office, as well as our law enforcement partners and first responders, We responded with urgency, determination, and compassion. What started as an exhaustive and complex search quickly grew to something that I would have never imagined. Understand that I cannot discuss all the specific details in this case,

but at this time I can share that a few human remains were recovered in an area known as Cedar Creek Reservoir, also known as Stumpy Pond in Fairfield County. These remains were immediately sent to the State Law Enforcement Division, and through analysis, the DNA of the remains are consistent with being the biological offspring of Jamaria and Michelle. Before we continue, let's pull up Google Earth. So we can get an idea of where exactly this happened. The sheriff said Javea's remains were recovered from Cedar Creek Reservoir, also known as Stumpy Pond in Fairfield County. This location is approximately one hour and 43 minutes away from the family's home.

Now, I do want to give a warning before we play the next clip. The details you are about to hear are incredibly disturbing. 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 Javier's death. Our information reveals the use of corrosive chemicals and other tools that were used to accept. the destruction of her little body. After this was completed, these two individuals poured what remained were left to Javea into the Cedar Creek Reservoir.

These subjects went through great lengths to cover their repulsive and revolting actions. In my 37-year career in law enforcement, I have never, ever heard of the time. of anything so horrific. As a result of this information, it's unlikely that the entirety of Javaya's body or any other remains from this point forward will be recovered. And I'll say this again.

We had all hoped and prayed to find her body, but with the information we've uncovered, that's simply not possible. I want to also announce additional charges for destruction and desecration of human remains have been filed against these two individuals. I know this is heartbreaking for anyone who's followed this case. It's heartbreaking for our office.

For all the law enforcement across the state that's worked on this case, countless hours, to find every piece of evidence with the hope of bringing Javier home. It's heartbreaking to our community. Our commitment has been to pursue the truth regardless of how difficult it may be. While no announcement can lessen the profound loss in this case, our commitment remains unchanged.

Today is not only about the evidence recovery, it's about a child whose life was taken far too soon. While today marks a painful chapter in this case, it does not end, our work. Our investigators will continue to pursue every lead, examine every piece of evidence, and work closely with the Second Circuit Slitters Office to ensure that justice for Javea is pursued. I ask you to pray. Pray for Javea and her extended family, our staff, all these other law enforcement agencies, and this community.

Again, I want to thank all these law enforcement partners, local, state, federal, other first responders who assisted this case. But from the time I announced at my last press conference that the investigation had taken us outside of Aiken County, I specifically want to thank the state law enforcement division, South Carolina DNR, and Sheriff Will Montgomery and the Fairfield County Sheriff. These DNR divers spent hours and hours and hours searching. Finally, I want to again thank our community. Throughout this investigation, you demonstrated encouragement, patience, and prayers. We recognize the emotional impact this case has had on so many, And we thank you for standing with us.

Together, this community has shown that even in the face of tragedy, compassion, unity, and service remain stronger than the darkness we've encountered. Corrosive chemicals and what Sheriff Sawyer described only as, quote, other tools. He didn't elaborate on exactly what those tools were, but according to investigators, whatever was used, left Javaya's remains in a condition where they could literally be poured, poured into a reservoir, poured. That is almost impossible to wrap your mind around. Since the surge of the family's home,

people online have also been analyzing photographs released from the investigation. Many noticed investigators removing what appeared to be a burn barrel, another large barrel, and even sifting through piles of dirt around the property. Now, it's important to remember that people online are only speculating about what those particular items may or may not have been used for. Investigators have not publicly connected those specific items to what happened to Javea. But based on what law enforcement has now revealed, it is clear that investigators believe significant efforts were made to conceal and destroy her remains. And because of those allegations, both Jamaria and Michelle are now also facing charges of destruction and desecration of human remains as well. Watching Sheriff Sawyer during that press conference was incredibly difficult.

You could see the sadness written all over his face. You could hear the exhaustion in his voice. And standing behind him were members of law enforcement wearing pink ties, pink ribbons, and pink shirts. According to investigators, pink was Javea's favorite color. And in the days since she disappeared, thousands of people throughout the community had also begun wearing pink in her honor, holding on to hope that somehow this little four-year-old would be found alive. Instead, they're now left mourning a child whose life ended in a way that's almost beyond comprehension. The outpouring of love for this precious little girl has truly been incredible to see.

People have left their porch lights on in her honor. Memorials filled with pink balloons and stuffed animals have appeared throughout the community. thousands of people have shared her photo, prayed for her, and mourned a child that they have never even met. Javea's story has touched people all over the country, and of course, now that investigators say they know at least part of what happened, many people have started asking the same question. Were there warning signs? Online, many people have gone back through photographs of Javea, pointing to pictures where they believe she looked frightened, withdrawn, or pulled. possibly even had bruising on her face. There have also been new reports about the family's past.

And one report, according to one report, the family previously lived in Clinton, South Carolina. Clinton police chief Michael Addison confirmed the officers responded to the family's apartment on November 30th, 2025. The incident report states that officers responded to a verbal domestic dispute between Jamaria and Michellea after Jamaria was preparing to leave the residence. And according to this report, Michelle had told officers she did not want Jamaria's mother and sister coming to pick him up because there was a restraining order preventing them from being near her. Jamaria, meanwhile, told officers they had been arguing since the previous day and that the latest disagreement started overmoving a table inside the apartment.

He said Michelle called police while he was packing his belongings before his ride had arrived. And this report also explains that Michellea eventually calmed down and even offered to drive him herself, but he declined. Officers documented no visible injuries, and the incident was ultimately classified as non-criminal. So as far as official records that have been publicly released at this time, that's really the only documented law enforcement contacts suggesting there may have been problems inside the home. And based on that report alone, there was nothing indicating that Javea herself was involved. Beyond all of this, there have been numerous unconfirmed reports circulating online. Some social media posts claimed there was prior involvement with the Union County Department of Social Services or Child Protective Services, although this has not been publicly confirmed by those agencies. Neighbors have reportedly told reporters that they rarely saw Javea outside, and several relevant.

have reportedly claimed they contacted DSS multiple times over the past two years because they were concerned about Javea's well-being. Those same family members have also alleged that the family moved frequently because of financial struggles and possible DSS involvement and that Javea's paternal grandmother had been trying to obtain custody of her since she was an infant. So at this point, those claims have not been confirmed by investigators, so we're going to have to wait and see what, if anything, it's substantiated as this case moves through the court system. And that brings me to the other child in this story, right? Another child for this family, because while she wasn't physically harmed, this newborn baby girl,

I do believe that she's a victim too. The baby who was born, the very night, her child. sister Javea was reported missing will never know her big sister. She'll likely grow up without either of her parents. Instead of celebrating the arrival of a new baby, Javea's extended family has found themselves grieving one child while stepping in to raise another. A reporter with WRDW recently sat down with Justin Singletary, a close friend of Javea's paternal grandmother, who was known both sides. of the family for years. So Singletary, he's been speaking with Javea's grandmother every day, trying to help her through this unimaginable loss. Let's listen to part of this interview.

It's a sad situation, you know, knowing definitely the grandma, she's a sweet person. Always, you know, love on people, wave at you when she sees you, and to kind of know that she's going through this, it's pretty, pretty sad and it's hard. And we just wish we could make it better for. The Singletary also telling WIS, WIS, Javea's grandmother is asking for community support as she is raising the baby girl. Michelle Herring gave birth to the same day investigators say she falsely reported.

Javea missing. And that seems to be where the case stands right now. Following the new charges of desecration of human remains, Michelle and Jamarie. were seen in court again this time in front of a new judge, and she actually determined that they do likely qualify for public defenders, which makes a lot more sense. I'll be honest. There are still so many unanswered questions.

We still don't know exactly why this happened. We don't know how long Javea was allegedly being abused. We don't know why neither parents sought medical care after she suffered such a serious injury. And because investigators say her remains were intentionally destroyed, it's possible we may never know her real cause of death. And if that's the case, that may have been exactly what the people responsible intended. For me personally, one of the most disturbing parts of this case, it's not just what

investigators alleged happened after Chavaya died. It's the deception that followed, listening back to the 911 call. Michelle sounded genuinely terrified. If I had heard that call, without knowing anything else, I probably would have absolutely believed she was a panicked mother living out her worst nightmare whose child had just disappeared. Then, then you hear that. Jamaria's interview, the repeated past tense, the extra details about errands and laundry that really didn't answer the reporter's questions. They reminded me of other cases where people appeared calm enough to construct elaborate stories while investigators later alleged they already knew exactly what had happened. Cases like J. Caro, Chris Watts, and so many others.

As of today, Michelle's next scheduled court appearance is September 18th at 9 a.m. And Jamarias is scheduled for September 19th. It's also at 9 a.m. We're going to continue following this case closely because I have no doubt we are going to learn much more as prosecutors begin turning over evidence and court documents become public. But above everything else, I hope that Javea ultimately gets the justice she deserves.