Parents Denied Bond: Michilae Herring & Johmarea Harris Face Homicide by Child Abuse Charges After Dissolving Their 4-Year-Old Daughter’s Body”

Aiken County, S.C. – Authorities have arrested the parents of a missing 4-year-old Aiken County girl who they now believe was killed more than a month before she was reported missing.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that 23-year-old Johmarea Harris and 22-year-old Michilae Herring have each been charged with homicide by child abuse in connection with the death of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris. Herring also faces a charge of filing a false police report. Both remain jailed without bond.

According to arrest warrants, investigators allege Herring, Javeayah’s mother, caused the child’s death by failing to seek medical attention after knowing the girl had suffered injuries from physical abuse. The warrant states Javeayah was younger than 11 and that the child died under circumstances “manifesting an extreme indifference to human life.” Investigators said the allegations are based on statements from both Herring and her co-defendant. Authorities allege the abuse occurred between May 1 and June 15.

Sheriff Marty Sawyer said investigators believe Javeayah is dead, calling the announcement “the hardest” of his 36-year law enforcement career.

“Our investigation and evidence leads us to believe 4-year-old Javeayah Harris is deceased,” Sawyer said during a news conference Friday. “It is the outcome that we all feared.”

Sawyer said investigators believe the child had been dead for at least one month before a 911 call reporting her missing was made June 30. Although authorities no longer believe Javeayah is alive, the search for her remains continues in an area of interest outside Aiken County.

“We all hoped and prayed to find her alive, but it is still extremely important we bring her home,” Sawyer said.

The arrests come after an extensive, multiagency search that covered more than 5,000 acres and included ground crews, helicopters, drones, neighborhood canvasses and interviews. Earlier this week, investigators announced that visible search operations would be scaled back, but emphasized the investigation would continue.

Authorities previously addressed questions about why an Amber Alert was not issued, saying the case did not meet the state’s activation criteria. Investigators also clarified earlier reports that Javeayah was nonverbal or autistic, saying additional information showed that was inaccurate.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the sheriff’s office said additional charges could be filed.