Foster mother charged in death of missing 10-year-old Philadelphia girl Malayshia Allford

Her death was ruled a homicide.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced murder charges Thursday following the death of a missing 10-year-old girl whose body was found in South Jersey.

Authorities said the girl's foster mother, Caprice Williams, has been charged with murder, abuse of a corpse and several related offenses.

The victim, Malayshia Allford, had been the subject of an intensive search after she disappeared from West Philadelphia.

According to Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski, investigators believe Malayshia was last seen alive on Oct. 22.

Authorities said surveillance video from Oct. 26 at approximately 1:53 a.m. appears to show a body being removed from a home in West Philadelphia.

"It was that video that then led law enforcement officials to a suspect vehicle, which then led law enforcement officials to find that vehicle and find a person that they wanted to speak to related to that vehicle," Toczylowski said.

Investigators eventually located the vehicle. Authorities said Malayshia's body was discovered at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey, around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

A medical examiner determined that the 10-year-old died from blunt force trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Balloons and a stuffed animal could be seen at the entrance to the New Jersey apartment complex where she was found dead.

Malcolm Jordan was a part of the local search party in West Philadelphia. He can't believe this tragic outcome.

"It's heartbreaking that this is the end result. I just wish it was a different result, man, and we just gotta do what we can to prevent this stuff from happening," he said.

Some of the people gathering Thursday night didn't even know Malayshia but said they were mourning as if she was their own.

"These balloons are just a symbol of love, the outpouring of love that we have for this baby," a resident said.

Prosecutors indicated that there were signs of abuse and that objects may have been used to inflict injuries. They declined to provide further details about her injuries.

Malayshia's family attended Thursday's news conference and asked for privacy as they prepare to lay her to rest.

Family members thanked the community for its support during the search and asked the public to avoid judgment as they cope with the loss.

Anyone with information on the case can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.