đą SHOCKING: DNA Has Confirmed That the Human Remains Found After Days of Searching Belong to Young Javeayah Harris. Investigators Have Revealed Disturbing New Details, Alleging That Her Body Was Treated With Corrosive Chemicals in an Attempt to Destroy Evidence, Taking the Investigation Into Its Most Harrowing Phase Yet. Most Chilling of All, the SheriffâA 37-Year Law Enforcement VeteranâAdmitted He Had âNever Encountered Anything This Horrificâ in His Entire Career, as Newly Filed Charges Continue to Reveal the Alleged Brutality of the Case.
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) â The Aiken County Sheriffâs Office held a press conference Thursday giving the latest update in the Javeayah Harris investigation.
The conference was held at 10:30 a.m.
âPersonally, thereâs some very harsh words that I would like to use about Johmarea [Harris] and Michilae [Herring] and their actions. But I will not do that. I will not do that to protect and maintain the integrity of this case. But I will tell you thisâŚI will not refer to them as âmomâ and âdadâ or âmotherâ and âfatherâ. They donât deserve that title,â said Sheriff Marty Sawyer. âThis is one of the most difficult, deeply disturbing, and emotionally taxing investigations this office has ever worked.â
Sheriff Sawyer stated that investigators found âa fewâ human remains in the area of Cedar Creek Reservoir, also known as Stumpy Pond in Fairfield County, S.C. Through DNA analysis, it has been confirmed that they belong to Javeayah Harris.
Sheriff Sawyer also said that corrosive chemicals and other tools were used in her disposal. He states that it is unlikely that any other remains will be recovered.
âIn my 37 year career in law enforcement, I have never, ever heard of anything so horrific.â
Sheriff Sawyer announced additional charges of Destruction or Desecration of Human Remains have been filed against Harris and Herring.
Arrest warrants allege that on on June 8, both Harris and Herring âwillfully, knowingly, and unlawfully destroy(ed) and/or damage(d) the remainsâ of their âdeceased daughter Javeayah.â
While taking questions, Sheriff Sawyer reiterated that investigators believe Javeayah had been deceased for âabout a monthâ before the initial 911 call.
âI know this is heartbreaking for anybody that has followed this caseâŚitâs heartbreaking for our office. For all the law enforcement across the state thatâs worked on this case countless hours to find every piece of evidence with the hope of bringing Javeayah home. Itâs heartbreaking for our community,â said Sheriff Sawyer.
Sheriff Sawyer thanked the community for its compassion, patience, and prayers.
âTogether, this community has shown that even in the face of tragedy compassion, unity, and service remain stronger than the darkness weâve encountered.â