A Detroit man has pleaded guilty to themurderof 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris and the sexual assault of five girls, raising urgent questions about the whereabouts of the young girl's body. Jarvis Butts, 43, admitted to second-degree murder in connection with Harris' 2024 death and was given a sentencing agreement of 35 to 60 years in prison.
Authorities and family members continue to search for Na'Ziyah's remains nearly two years after she was last seen.
Butts had previously faced charges including first-degree murder, child sexually abusive commercial activity, and sexual assault of Na'Ziyah, but these were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
He also pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct related to the sexual assaults of five girls aged between four and 13.
Prosecutors allege Butts began a sexual relationship with Na'Ziyah while dating her aunt, and digital evidence played a key role in linking him to her disappearance. According toThe Detroit News, investigators used phone records, witness testimony, and forensic findings as part of their case, though Na'Ziyah's body still has not been found.
Court testimony revealed that anine-year-old cousin witnessedButts assault Na'Ziyah at his auto shop. The cousin also stated that Butts attempted to engage in sexual activity with her, which she refused.
Investigators also highlighted digital evidence, including text messages between Butts and Na'Ziyah dating back to March 2023. Butts reportedly sent messages such as 'stop messing with people and just be mine,' while Na'Ziyah called him 'babe' and confided that he was the only person she really trusted.
In early December 2023, Butts conducted internet searches on abortion pills and other methods to end a pregnancy, according to police testimony.
Na'Ziyah, a seventh-grader at J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy, was last seen leaving her school bus near Cornwell Street and Three Mile Drive. Butts picked her up from school on 9 January 2024 and brought her to his auto shop.
Tracking of Butts' phone placed him at the Conner Street auto shop around 4:00 p.m. before travelling to Ypsilanti later that evening. Witnesses reported seeing a girl matching Na'Ziyah's description at the auto shop, wearing a distinctive colourful jacket. Authorities say this was the last confirmed sighting of the girl.
Source: International Business Times UK
