Authorities have now confirmed that some remains of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris were recovered from Cedar Creek Reservoir (also known as Stumpy Pond) in Fairfield County, South Carolina, after her own parents allegedly used corrosive chemicals and tools to dissolve her body.
Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer gave the disturbing update during a July 9 press conference, calling the parents’ actions “repulsive and revolting.”
“In my 37 years in law enforcement, I have never, ever heard of anything so horrific.”
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He made it crystal clear he would not refer to them as “mom and dad.”
“I will not refer to them as mom and dad or mother and father. They don’t deserve that title.”
Parents Hit With New Charges for Destroying Their Daughter’s Body
Michilae Herring, 22, and Johmarea Harris, 23 — Javeayah’s mother and father — were already behind bars on homicide by child abuse charges. Both were denied bond.
Now they’re facing charges of destruction and desecration of human remains.
According to arrest warrants, both parents confessed.
The documents allege Herring physically abused the little girl, causing a head injury. Instead of getting her medical help, the parents allegedly let her die — and then went to extreme lengths to cover it up.
Investigators believe Javeayah had already been dead for about a month before her mother called 911 on June 30, 2026, pretending she was missing.
In the 911 call, Herring claimed her daughter disappeared while playing outside their Aiken home near Hillsboro Street and Ridgecrest Road. She said Javeayah was wearing pink Minnie Mouse pajamas with pink braids.
A massive multi-agency search involving the FBI and SLED was launched.
On July 4, 2026, Sheriff Marty Sawyer announced that Javeayah was believed to be dead. Herring and Harris were arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse.
According to warrants, on June 8, the parents allegedly used corrosive chemicals and tools to dissolve Javeayah’s body. What was left was reportedly “poured” into Cedar Creek Reservoir.
Sheriff Sawyer didn’t hold back during the emotional press conference:
“Extensive and deliberate efforts were made to destroy and conceal evidence following Javeayah’s death. Corrosive chemicals and other tools were used to accelerate the destruction of her body. These subjects went to great lengths to cover their revolting and repulsive actions.”
He added that it’s now doubtful all of the little girl’s remains will ever be recovered.
His staff wore pink ribbons and ties in honor of Javeayah, whose favorite color was pink.
A petition is now circulating for “Javeayah’s Law” to strengthen child protections.
Javeayah’s newborn baby sister is currently in the care of her paternal grandmother.
