SUMTER, S.C. – Police think a missing 5-year-old girl is dead after her mother was found murdered in a South Carolina apartment Monday evening.

• Nevaha Adams, 5, is missing.
• Her mother was found murdered in South Carolina.
• Authorities believe she was killed alongside her mother.

Police say they think the 5-year-old child died the same time as her mother. Family members found Sharee Bradley dead inside an apartment Monday in Sumter which sits just west of I-95.

Adams is described as being 4 feet 3 inches tall, weighs about 50 lbs, having braided black hair with colored beads. Investigators have searched landfills, apartments, and wooded areas for the child.

Her father, Dupray Adams, says he doesn't understand who would want to hurt his baby girl.

"She's just an excellent daughter. When she was born, she never cried. She's was just so precious. But seeing her now, she's very active. She wanted to be in gymnastics. She's already in tap class. She's about to be six, about to go to kindergarten. Wonderful child," he said.

A suspect, Daunte Maurice Johnson, 28, who was seen fleeing the residence, is now in custody. He is facing murder charges. He has prior arrest records in Charlotte and Matthews, with charges including domestic violence. 

Police say Johnson is helping them in the search for Neveah's remains. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at (803) 436-2718 or 1-888-CRIME-SC.