Missing 10-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Car Trunk — Foster Mother Charged as Surveillance Video Reveals Key Clue**PHILADE

Missing 10-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Car Trunk — Foster Mother Charged as Surveillance Video Reveals Key Clue

**PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — November 7, 2026**

A heartbreaking search for a missing 10-year-old Philadelphia girl has ended in a murder investigation after authorities discovered her body inside the trunk of a car across state lines in New Jersey.

The child, identified as Malayshia Alford, was last seen alive on October 22 at her foster family's home in West Philadelphia. Nearly two weeks later, investigators located her remains inside a vehicle parked near an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey.

Prosecutors have charged her foster mother, 36-year-old Carprice Williams, with murder and six additional criminal offenses.

Investigators say surveillance footage showing what appeared to be the girl's body being removed from the home became a critical breakthrough in the case.

But one disturbing question remains: Who helped transport the child's body, and what exactly happened inside the home before she died?

## Missing Girl's Body Found Inside Car Trunk in New Jersey

The investigation took a tragic turn late Wednesday night, November 4, when police discovered Malayshia's body in the trunk of a vehicle in Lindenwold, Camden County.

The car was parked near an apartment complex approximately 15 miles from the Philadelphia neighborhood where Malayshia had been living.

The discovery followed an extensive search involving Philadelphia police, federal investigators, relatives and community volunteers.

Authorities said Malayshia was last seen entering her foster home on North Simpson Street on October 22.

She was reported missing four days later.

For days, investigators searched locations around Philadelphia while attempting to establish her whereabouts.

Community members also joined the effort, hoping the girl would be found alive.

The search ultimately shifted toward New Jersey after investigators recovered surveillance footage that provided an important lead.

By approximately 11 p.m. Wednesday, police had located her body.

## Surveillance Footage Provides Major Breakthrough

One of the most important pieces of evidence in the investigation was surveillance video recorded during the early morning hours of October 26.

According to Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski, the recording appeared to show Malayshia's body being removed from the home where she had last been seen alive.

Investigators used the footage to identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the removal.

That discovery led officers to another individual whom they wanted to question.

The person provided information that ultimately helped police locate the vehicle containing Malayshia's remains.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said investigators believe two vehicles were involved.

According to prosecutors, the child's body was transported from the home in one vehicle before being transferred into another vehicle, where it was eventually discovered.

Krasner also indicated that the individual believed to have physically moved the child's body was not Williams.

Authorities have not publicly identified that person or confirmed whether additional criminal charges will be filed.

The revelation suggests that investigators are examining the actions of more than one individual, although the precise roles of those involved remain subject to investigation.

## Autopsy Reveals Girl Died From Blunt Force Trauma

Following the discovery, Malayshia's body was examined by the Gloucester-Camden-Salem Counties Medical Examiner's Office.

An autopsy conducted Thursday, November 5, determined that she died from blunt force trauma.

Her death was classified as a homicide.

Prosecutors also reported discovering indications that the child had been subjected to physical abuse.

Investigators identified items they believe may have been used in the alleged abuse, although authorities did not publicly provide a complete description of those objects.

The medical examiner's findings became an important part of the criminal case.

Officials have not established a precise public timeline explaining when Malayshia sustained her fatal injuries.

They have also not released a full account of the circumstances leading to her death.

The remaining questions are expected to be central to the continuing investigation and any future court proceedings.

## Foster Mother Faces Seven Criminal Charges

On Thursday, November 5, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that Williams had been charged in connection with Malayshia's death.

The 36-year-old foster mother faces seven criminal charges, including murder.

The remaining allegations include 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.

The charges reflect prosecutors' allegations about the child's death and events surrounding the handling of her body.

Williams was arraigned early Friday morning and ordered held without bail, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.

Authorities have not announced a trial date in the information released.

A criminal charge does not establish guilt, and Williams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Prosecutors will be required to present evidence supporting the allegations during the judicial proceedings.

## Foster Mother's Role Raises Questions About Child Safety

Malayshia had been living with a foster family in West Philadelphia before her disappearance.

According to local reporting, her aunt said the girl had spent approximately two years in Williams' care.

The case has raised serious concerns about the safety of children placed with foster caregivers and the oversight of their living conditions.

However, authorities have not publicly established that specific failures by child welfare agencies contributed to Malayshia's death.

Those questions would require further examination of the circumstances surrounding her placement and care.

The criminal investigation currently centers on the alleged abuse, the child's death, and what happened to her body afterward.

Prosecutors have not publicly identified every individual who may have information relevant to the case.

## Philadelphia Community Mourns Young Victim

News of Malayshia's death devastated relatives, neighbors and residents who had participated in the search.

For more than a week, people searched surrounding neighborhoods and nearby areas hoping for a different outcome.

Following the announcement, mourners placed balloons and other memorial items outside the home where Malayshia had lived.

Community members described the discovery as deeply upsetting, particularly because the victim was a young child whose disappearance had prompted widespread concern.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel expressed sorrow over her death and emphasized that Malayshia deserved protection, care and the opportunity to grow up.

District Attorney Krasner also acknowledged the grief experienced by the girl's family and those who had searched for her.

He said prosecutors were committed to pursuing the case through the criminal justice system.

The loss has left a community mourning a child whose disappearance ended in circumstances that investigators are still working to fully explain.

## What Happens Next in Malayshia Alford's Murder Investigation?

Although Williams has been arrested and charged, the investigation is not complete.

Authorities continue examining the timeline between October 22, when Malayshia was last seen alive, and October 26, when surveillance footage allegedly showed her body being removed from the home.

Investigators must also clarify the involvement of the unidentified individual who helped lead police to the vehicle.

The use of two vehicles, the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and the timing of the child's death remain important aspects of the case.

Prosecutors will evaluate the available evidence as the criminal proceedings move forward.

For Malayshia's relatives and the community that searched for her, the arrest represents a major development, but many questions remain unanswered.

A missing-child investigation that began in West Philadelphia has become a homicide prosecution crossing state lines.

As authorities continue examining the evidence, the case remains focused on establishing how a 10-year-old girl died and determining who bears criminal responsibility for her death.

**Sources:**

People — Adam England, November 6, 2026.

https://people.com/foster-mom-missing-10-year-old-girl-found-dead-trunk-car-charged-with-her-murder-12239875

NBC10 Philadelphia — November 5–6, 2026.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/10-year-old-missing-philadelphia-girl-jalayshia-malayshia-alford-found-dead-lindenwold-nj/4492319/