AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — On Thursday, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office held an emotional press conference providing an update on missing 4-year-old Javeayah Harris.
According to Sheriff Marty Sawyer, human remains consistent with the DNA of Javeayah’s parents were found in Fairfield County.
The Sheriff revealed that the remains were found in an area named Cedar Creek Reservoir, also known as Dumpy Pond.
The remains were immediately sent to SLED for testing, which revealed them to be consistent with the biological offspring of Johmarea Harris and Michilae Herring.
Sheriff Sawyer says the investigation has been the most emotionally taxing case the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has ever worked.
“These updates never get easier to share,” said Sheriff Sawyer. “This past week has been heart-wrenching for everyone.”
“There’s some very harsh word i would like to use about Johmarea and Michilae and their actions,” said Sheriff Sawyer.
Sheriff Sawyer says he cannot discuss all of the specific details at this time in the case.
Sheriff Sawyer says that Johmarea and Michilae made extensive efforts to destroy and conceal evidence of the remains of Javeayah after her death.
“Our information reveals the use of corrosive chemicals and other tools that were used to accelerate the destruction of her little body,” said Sheriff Sawyer.
After using tools and chemicals, the sheriff says both parents then poured what remained of Javeayah into the reservoir.
“In my 37-year career in law enforcement, I have never, ever heard of anything so horrific,” said Sheriff Sawyer.
The sheriff believes the entirety of Javeayah’s body will not be recovered.