Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer announced on Thursday at a press conference that investigators had recovered remains from Cedar Creek Reservoir, also known as Stumpy Pond, and DNA testing identified them as consistent with the biological child of Johmarea Harris and Michilae Herring.
Sawyer said investigators believe chemicals and tools were used in an effort to destroy Javeayah's body before her remains were poured into the reservoir. The sheriff was brought to tears and said investigators do not expect all of her remains to be recovered because of the condition of the evidence.
“This is one of the most difficult, deeply disturbing, and emotionally taxing investigations this office has ever worked on,” Sawyer said.
“I am truly sickened to share what this investigation has uncovered,” he said.
Authorities filed additional charges of destruction and desecration of human remains against Harris and Herring following the discovery.
The investigation began on June 30 after Javeayah was reported missing from her home in Aiken County.
The missing child report prompted a multi-day search involving local, state, and federal agencies, as well as helicopters, drones, K-9 units, and more than 200 emergency responders. Search operations later shifted from rescue efforts to a criminal investigation.
Harris and Herring were arrested on July 4 and charged with homicide by child abuse. Herring also was charged with filing a false police report. Both defendants were denied bond during court hearings.
According to arrest warrants, investigators allege Herring assaulted Javeayah, causing injuries, and that neither defendant sought medical treatment for the child. The warrants allege Javeayah later died from those injuries.
The defendants reported Javeayah missing in what authorities said they believed to be a month after her death.
Community members gathered twice this week to remember Javeayah.
A candlelight vigil was held July 5 in Aiken, a day after authorities arrested Harris and Herring. Family members, residents, and supporters left flowers, stuffed animals, and candles in Javeyah’s memory.
A second vigil is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at Foster Park in Union County. Organizers asked attendees to bring teddy bears as a show of love and remembrance.