Melvin Core

FBI JOINS SEARCH FOR MISSING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WEST PHILADELPHIA AS POLICE FEAR SHE MAY BE IN DANGER Philadelphia Police and the FBI are searching for a 10-year-old girl who has been missing for more than a week, with investigators expressing growing concern for her safety. Jalayshia Alford, also known as Malayshia or “May,” was last reportedly seen around 7:30 a.m. on October 26 in the 500 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia. Jalayshia was living with a foster family at the time of her disappearance. INVESTIGATORS QUESTION TIMELINE OF DISAPPEARANCE Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said investigators recovered surveillance footage showing Jalayshia traveling to and from school in the days before October 26, but have not located footage showing her on the block since. Vanore described the timeline provided by adults in her life as “foggy.” According to Jalayshia’s aunt, Yolanda Brown, the child’s foster mother initially claimed Jalayshia’s biological mother had picked her up. However, Brown said her sister denied having the child. The foster mother later reportedly said Jalayshia left for the school bus Monday morning but never arrived at school. Brown also said investigators informed her Jalayshia had not attended school the previous Friday. FBI AND HOMICIDE DETECTIVES ASSISTING Federal agents have joined Philadelphia Police in the search. K-9 units searched the neighborhood Monday, while homicide detectives specializing in digital forensics are assisting investigators. MISSING CHILD DESCRIPTION • Age: 10 • Height: 4’11” • Weight: Approximately 70 pounds • Clothing: Blue school uniform, including polo shirt, skirt and tights • Eyeglasses • Black sneakers or Crocs ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS URGED TO CONTACT POLICE Homicide Unit: 215-686-3334 Anonymous Tips: 215-686-TIPS (8477) Police have not announced that Jalayshia has been located. Please share to help bring her home safely.