HOUSTON – The remains of a 4-year-old Texas girl, who has been missing for one month, have been discovered in Arkansas, according to the Associated Press.
- Remains of Maleah Davis found
- Stepfather admitted to disposing of her body
- Cause of death under investigation
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences confirmed that the remains are of Maleah Davis. The AP says she was found near a freeway outside of Hope, Arkansas, after her stepfather told an activist he disposed of her body there.
Maleah was last seen alive on May 5 when her stepfather claimed he was taken by kidnappers, along with the 4-year-old and her 2-year-old brother. The stepfather, Derion Vence, claimed to be let go while the kidnappers took off with Maleah.
Police arrested Vence after finding Maleah’s blood in his apartment. According to investigators, Vence’s story continually changed surrounding Maleah’s kidnapping.
Houston police reported that Vence’s claims were false and took him into custody. Vence is currently in jail on a charge for tampering with evidence.
Vence previously lived with Maleah and her mother, Brittany Bowens. Prior to her death Child Protective Services removed Maleah and her brothers from the home Vence and Bowens shared in August after the girl suffered a head wound, but the children were returned in February, according to an agency spokeswoman.
Quanell X, a local civil rights activist, addressed reporters earlier this month on behalf of Bowens. She claimed that Vence abused Maleah and that Bowens had recently broke off her engagement to him.
Maleah’s cause of death has not been determined.
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