Foster mother charged in death of 10-year-old Philadelphia girl was 5th-grade teacher | What we know

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News is learning more about the foster mother who has been charged in the death of a 10-year-old West Philadelphia girl who was in her care.

Carprice Williams, 36, is accused in the "brutal murder" of Malayshia Allford, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

Williams is a teacher within the Philadelphia School District, according to a source. She taught 5th grade at Lewis C. Cassidy School, according to a roster.

Williams' LinkedIn states that she also previously worked as a special education English and language arts teacher.

Nafeesa Cannon described a happy, celebratory week in the life of Williams, who continued to clock in at work, all while police say her foster daughter was not only missing but dead for days inside the trunk of a car.

"She was at work Friday. She had a pizza party with the kids, she was at the trunk-or-treat," Cannon recalled. "Inside the classroom or in front of the parents, nobody would have never probably thought in a million years that she was going to murder a child."

On paper, some say she was a prime candidate to foster.

"You in a building full of 100 something kids. You teaching kids, acting like you got all these feelings and you care about them and the whole time you really don't," said Sarah Selby, of West Philadelphia.

Allford had been the subject of an intensive 10-day search after she disappeared from West Philadelphia.

The young girl's body was found 20 miles away from her foster home in South Jersey, officials announced on Thursday.

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

This comes as police passed out flyers to neighbors with resources and as a memorial grows outside the home where the young girl was last seen.

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

WATCH: Memorial grows in West Philly following death of missing girl

What we know about investigation

The investigation began after Williams reportedly told police that Malayshia did not return home from school and was not answering her phone. After police started investigating, they said there were conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case.

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 on the 600 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia.

WATCH FULL: Philly DA announces charges after missing 10-year-old girl found dead

"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.

Police were able to speak with a witness tied to the vehicle, which ultimately led them to the body.

Authorities said Malayshia was found dead in a car at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey, around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

It's believed her body was transferred to another vehicle before she was found.

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.

WATCH: Assistant DA Ashley Toczylowski speaks about charges in the case

Community shaken to core

Allford's death has shaken the community to the core.

She had attended Robert E. Lamberton School.

"The School District of Philadelphia is heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of 10-year old Robert E. Lamberton student, Malayshia Allford. We wish to extend our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathy to her family, friends and classmates," the school district said in a statement.

Malcolm Jordan was 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.

"I think she's looking in heaven now and looking like, Father, look at all these people supporting and showing the love that don't even know me," said John Taylor, Church of Christian compassion minister.

Allford's friend, Zayla, stopped by the vigil with a poster expressing her classroom's love.

"She was like nice; she was nice to everybody. She was friends with everybody. And the last time I saw her, I gave her a hug," the friend said.

Zayla's parent said Williams happened to be their daughter's teacher.

"Just letting her know everything is going to be OK. She don't really understand that was her teacher. And she just keeps asking a lot of questions. I don't even have the answers," said Ryenise Hodges of West Philadelphia.

Neighbors say they want to know how this happened and what can be done to make sure something like this never happens again.

"So many people failed her beside that foster family, so many more people," said April McBride-McGolne.

Allford's family asked for privacy as they prepare to lay her to rest.

WATCH: Family members speak after charges announced in missing girl's death

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

"If you know us, you know what's going on. But please, please support my family with the love that we need. No judgment," said Malayshia's biological uncle, Nafis Horne.

Horne believes more people were involved in his niece's death and wants those responsible to be held accountable.

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

Williams is being held without bail and is due back in court November 23.