Caprice Williams, the foster mother of 10-year-old Jalayshia “Malayshia” Alford, has been charged with murder following the child’s tragic death after she disappeared from West Philadelphia. Authorities announced the charges on Thursday, November 5, 2026, bringing a devastating development to a case that had prompted an extensive search involving local police, federal investigators and community members.

Williams is facing charges including murder, abuse of a corpse and several related offences. The child’s remains were discovered inside the trunk of a vehicle at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey, after investigators traced a vehicle connected to the disappearance.

Caprice Williams Faces Murder Charges

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the charges during a news conference on Thursday evening. Prosecutors described the killing as brutal and outlined evidence investigators had gathered during the search for Jalayshia.

Authorities identified Williams as the child’s foster mother. Investigators said evidence collected during the investigation connected the West Philadelphia residence where Jalayshia lived to the vehicle in which her body was ultimately discovered.

According to prosecutors, surveillance footage captured activity involving a bag being removed from the residence and transferred between vehicles. Investigators said the bag was later found in the trunk of a car in Lindenwold.

Officials also disclosed that examination of Jalayshia’s body revealed bruising and scarring that suggested a possible history of physical abuse. Prosecutors said the investigation had identified evidence of blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

Authorities have indicated that another person may have assisted in disposing of the child’s remains. Further details about that person’s identity and possible involvement have not been fully disclosed.

Jalayshia Alford’s Disappearance

Jalayshia was last seen alive on October 22, 2026, according to the timeline presented by prosecutors. She was living with her foster family in the 500 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia.

She was reported missing on October 26 after concerns arose about her whereabouts. Philadelphia police subsequently issued a missing-child alert and appealed to residents for information that could help locate her.

The investigation expanded to include the FBI and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. Officers reviewed surveillance recordings, interviewed people connected to the case and searched locations around West Philadelphia.

Investigators said video footage from October 26 appeared to show a body being removed from the West Philadelphia residence at approximately 1:53 a.m. That evidence helped direct investigators toward a vehicle connected to the case.

Discovery in Lindenwold, New Jersey

Police eventually located the vehicle at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, Camden County. Jalayshia’s remains were found inside its trunk late Wednesday night, November 4.

The discovery ended the search but left her family and community facing an unimaginable loss.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Jalayshia’s death and the alleged handling of her remains. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence as the criminal proceedings move forward.

Williams faces serious criminal charges, and the allegations will be addressed through the court process.

For Jalayshia’s relatives, friends and the wider West Philadelphia community, the case represents a heartbreaking loss of a young life. As investigators pursue answers and accountability, many continue to mourn the 10-year-old girl whose disappearance had inspired so many people to join the search.