West Philadelphia community holds vigil for Malayshia Alford
West Philadelphia community holds vigil for Malayshia Alford
Community members and family gathered at Morris Park to mourn 10-year-old Malayshia Alford after her body was discovered in New Jersey. Mourners and relatives expressed grief and raised questions regarding the placement decisions involving her foster mother, who faces murder charges.
PHILADELPHIA - Days after 10-year-old Malayshia Alford was found dead inside the trunk of a car in South Jersey, family members, neighbors and community members gathered at Morris Park in West Philadelphia to hold a memorial vigil and seek clarity regarding the foster care decisions surrounding her placement.
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Body of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford found in trunk of vehicle in Lindenwold, foster mother charged
The body of missing 10-year-old Malayshia Alford was found Wednesday night in Camden County, New Jersey, bringing a frantic 10-day search to a tragic conclusion. On Thursday, a foster parent was charged with her murder.
The gathering on Sunday took place blocks from the North Simpson Street residence where Alford had been residing. Attendees lit candles and expressed support for her biological family, who noted that relatives had previously sought custody of the fourth-grader.
Alford found dead in Lindenwold
The backstory:
Police say Alford, a student at Robert E. Lamberton Public School, was reported missing in late October. Following a 10-day search involving local and regional law enforcement, authorities discovered her body inside a vehicle parked at an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey, according to previous FOX 29 reporting.
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Philadelphia foster mother charged in murder of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford: DA
Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and officials announced murder charges against foster parent, Carprice Williams, in the killing of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford.
Her foster mother, 36-year-old Caprice Williams, was arrested and charged with murder, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Williams, an elementary school teacher in the School District of Philadelphia, is being held without bail as the legal proceedings move forward, according to police.
Questions about foster placement
Dig deeper:
Speakers at the vigil also focused on Alford's foster placement.
Attorneys representing Alford's estate and community members cited prior child welfare concerns from 2021 regarding Williams on Sunday.
The Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney's Office have reportedly issued subpoenas for records from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and private provider agencies, while DHS officials noted that state confidentiality laws restrict public commentary during ongoing criminal investigations.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney's Office as well as FOX 29 reporting.