Carl Hessler Jr.

TRAGIC UPDATE: BODY REPORTEDLY FOUND IN NEW JERSEY IN SEARCH FOR MISSING 10-YEAR-OLD WEST PHILADELPHIA GIRL A heartbreaking development has been reported in the search for 10-year-old Jalayshia Alford, who disappeared from West Philadelphia more than a week ago. According to 6ABC reporter Sharrie Williams, law enforcement sources say the child’s body was discovered inside a vehicle in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Jalayshia had been missing since October 26, when she was last reportedly seen in the 500 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia. FOSTER MOTHER AND GRANDFATHER REPORTEDLY QUESTIONED Williams reports that Jalayshia’s foster mother and the foster mother’s father, identified as the child’s grandfather, are being questioned by investigators. The Philadelphia Police Department and FBI are both involved in the investigation. Authorities had previously raised concerns about conflicting accounts surrounding the child’s disappearance, with investigators working to establish an accurate timeline of her last known movements. A large police presence was also reported Wednesday evening near Daggett and Vine streets in West Philadelphia as the search intensified. INVESTIGATION ONGOING The reported discovery has not yet been independently confirmed through an official police announcement. Authorities have not publicly released a cause or manner of death, and no criminal charges have been announced in connection with the reported discovery. This remains a developing investigation. Additional information will be provided as authorities release confirmed details.