🚨 THE SHERIFF HAS REVEALED A SH0CKING DETAIL ABOUT HOW JAVEAYAH’S PARENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE “DISP0SED OF” HER REM-AINS… LEAVING THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY STUNNED
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – A choked-up Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer says some of Javeayah Harris’ remains have been recovered after her body was dissolved by chemicals and “poured” into a lake.
He offered this latest update on the death of the 4-year-old during a news conference Thursday morning.
Authorities allege the girl died after a head injury that was caused by abuse by her mother. The girl wasn’t taken to a doctor for treatment of the injury.
The parents, Michilae Herring and Johmarea Harris, had already been arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse before Thursday. Both were denied bond on those offenses, and now face additional charges.
“There are some very harsh words I’d like to use” about the parents, Sawyer said. “I will not refer to them as mom and dad or mother and father. They don’t deserve that title.”
He called this case one of the most difficult and deeply taxing investigations his office has seen.
“It’s weighed heavily on our community,” he said.
Church that sheltered searchers marks one week in Javeayah Harris case(WRDW)
The recovery of remains
“This past week has been heart-wrenching for everyone,” Sawyer said.
He said he was “truly sickened” by what the investigation has uncovered.
A few human remains were recovered in Cedar Creek Reservoir. DNA tests show they are the biological offspring of the parents, Sawyer said.
“Extensive and deliberate efforts were made to destroy and conceal evidence following Javeayah’s death,” Sawyer said.
He said corrosive chemicals and other tools were used to “accelerate” the destruction of her body.
According to arrest warrants for the parents, the destruction of remains happened June 8.
Afterward, the parents “poured” what was left into the reservoir, he said, calling the actions “repulsive and revolting.”
“These subjects went to great lengths to cover their revolting and repulsive actions,” he said.
As a result, it’s doubtful that all of the girl’s remains will ever be recovered, Sawyer said.
“In my 37 years in law enforcement, I have never, ever heard of anything so horrific,” he said.
Additional charges of destruction and desecration of human remains were filed against the parents. Bond was denied Thursday afternoon because they’re considered flight risks.
Watch the bond hearings:
“Our commitment has been to pursue the truth, regardless of how difficult it may be,” Sawyer said.
“While today marks a painful chapter in this case it does not mark the end,” he said, adding that his staff will continue to work to see that justice is pursued.
He praised the support the community has shown for Javeayah.
“Even in the face of tragedy, compassion, unity and service remain stronger than the darkness we’ve encountered,” he said.
Sawyer was flanked at the news conference by dozens of staff members from his office, many of them wearing pink ribbons and ties in recognition of Javeayah’s favorite color.
A petition is asking lawmakers to pass “Javeayah’s Law” to close what it calls a federal loophole and strengthen protections for children.
The newborn sister of Javeayah Harris is now in the custody of her paternal grandmother, a family friend said.
One week after 4-year-old Javeayah Harris was reported missing, the church that sheltered searchers gathered Wednesday as the community awaits answers.
Aiken County advocates sound alarm on rising child abuse cases
Child abuse cases are on the rise in South Carolina, and local advocates say it is up to the community to recognize the signs and report concerns.
‘The small coffins are the heaviest’: Aiken community rallies around Javeayah Harris
Alok Kumar Akse, owner of Taj of Aiken Indian Cuisine, prepared and delivered 60 meals to search crews on July 4.
‘A precious baby girl’: Community continues to honor Javeayah Harris
Since news first broke about the disappearance and death of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris, the community has continued to show up for her.
The latest update came after investigators were at the family home Tuesday night on Hillsboro Street. They posted crime tape, went into the home and spent time digging through the woods adjacent to the home.
Staff from the Aiken County Coroner’s Office were there, too.
A law enforcement source told News 12 they weren’t looking for the body but for evidence.
In another part of the state, there had been a dayslong search going on in Fairfield County at the Debutary Creek access point.
That’s the site of the reservoir, which is also known as Stumpy Pond.
There has been a search for Javeayah Harris’ body in Fairfield County at the Debutary Creek access point. This was the scene on July 8, 2026.(WRDW/WAGT)
After several days of searching, authorities weren’t there Wednesday. They’d lifted the roadblocks that had been up all week.
That seemed to be a sign that something had been found.
Makeshift memorial
Meanwhile, mourners continue to bring items to add to a makeshift memorial around the mailbox of the family home.
Donna Chavis visited the memorial Wednesday.
A memorial is growing outside Javeayah Harris’ home on Hillsboro Street as people look to honor her. This was the scene on July 9, 2026.(WRDW/WAGT)
“I wish I could put my arms around her and take a hold of me like that,” Chavis said. “That’s how bad it is to all of us mothers. We’ve cried as many tears the last week. I mean, I didn’t even know this child. And I cried and cried and cried. It’s just sick. And I feel very terrible.”
Around 100 people in total showed up Tuesday evening in a more organized gathering.
SOURCE: https://www.wrdw.com/2026/07/09/sheriff-said-javeayah-harris-remains-found-reservoir/