Philadelphia police have released the mugshot of Carprice Williams, the 36-year-old foster mother charged with murdering 10-year-old Malayshia Alford, whose body was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle in New Jersey. Williams was arraigned overnight and ordered held without bail as prosecutors continue investigating the child’s death.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Williams faces seven charges, including murder, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 23.
The newly released police photograph comes after Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the charges on Thursday, November 5, following an investigation involving Philadelphia police, the FBI, and New Jersey authorities.
Malayshia had been living in foster care at a residence along the 500 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, her aunt said she had been living with Williams for approximately two years.
Investigators believe Malayshia was last seen alive on Thursday, October 22, when surveillance footage captured her returning home from school. She reportedly did not attend school the following day, but authorities did not receive a missing person report until Monday, October 26.
Carprice Williams initially reported that Malayshia had left home for school that Monday morning and never returned, according to investigators. However, detectives encountered conflicting accounts while attempting to establish the child’s whereabouts.
A major development occurred on November 4 when investigators obtained surveillance footage recorded around 1:53 a.m. on October 26. Prosecutors said the recording appeared to show Malayshia’s body being removed from the foster home inside a bag, contradicting the earlier account of her disappearance.
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Investigators used the footage to identify a vehicle connected to the movement of the child’s remains. Police and FBI agents subsequently located and questioned a person associated with the vehicle, who helped authorities find Malayshia.
At approximately 11 p.m. on November 4, her body was discovered inside the trunk of a car parked at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Authorities believe her remains were transported in one vehicle before being transferred to the car where she was found.
A preliminary examination by the New Jersey Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Malayshia died from blunt force trauma. Her death was officially ruled a homicide.
Prosecutors also indicated that investigators found evidence suggesting physical abuse and that objects may have been used to inflict injuries. They have not publicly disclosed the full extent of those injuries, the precise time of death, or a suspected motive.
While Carprice Williams is currently the person charged with Malayshia’s murder, investigators have not ruled out additional developments. Authorities have questioned another individual connected to the transportation of her remains, but they have not announced whether anyone else will face charges.
Williams’ professional background has also drawn attention. The Philadelphia Inquirer identified her as a Philadelphia School District employee, while local reporting from KYW Newsradio identified her as a teacher at Cassidy Academics Plus School. Malayshia attended Robert E. Lamberton School, according to the school district.
The case has also renewed questions about Malayshia’s foster care placement. Before her body was discovered, her aunt, Nyfisha Allford, told 6abc that she previously attempted to gain custody of the child through Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services. She said officials visited her home, but she never received the follow-up she expected. The agency has not publicly explained the outcome of that reported request.
As Williams awaits her next court hearing, residents have continued leaving balloons, flowers, and other memorial items near the West Philadelphia home where Malayshia was last seen.
A classmate named Zayla remembered the little girl during a community gathering, telling 6abc, “She was friends with everybody.”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel also addressed the devastating loss during the announcement of charges.
“She deserved safety. She deserved to be loved. She deserved a chance to grow up,” Bethel said.
Malayshia’s relatives have requested privacy as they prepare to lay her to rest, while authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding her death and the people who may have been involved.
Carprice Williams remains jailed without bail. The charges against her have not been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Malayshia Alford was just 10 years old. May she rest in peace.
