PHILADELPHIA (November 12, 2026) — District Attorney Larry Krasner today announced an independent investigation into the care for and tragic death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford.
Malayshia’s body was found on Nov. 4 in the trunk of a car parked in an apartment complex in Lindenwold, N.J. Her foster mother Carprice Williams has been charged with murder.
“I want to make very clear to the family of Malayshia and to all Philadelphians: this office begins today doing absolutely everything in its power to conduct an independent investigation into the factors and actors involved in the tragic death of Malayshia and to follow that evidence wherever it goes, including to any function or dysfunction within the institutions and systems that sadly failed Malayshia,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner. “I will lead this investigation with a very skilled, capable team of professionals from this office who have a wide range of expertise into how to conduct deep dive investigations and how to address issues of harm to children.”
The investigative team will include representatives from the DAO’s Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit, Special Investigations Unit, Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, Victim Services Unit and Trial Division. Anyone who may have information regarding defendant Carprice Williams is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Division at 215-686-3334 or 215-686-TIPS (8477).
If you are a victim and would prefer to speak with a victim advocate first, you are encouraged to contact one of the following DAO-contracted providers:
- Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia (serving West and Southwest Philadelphia): 267-217-3754
- Victim Services of South Philadelphia (serving South Philadelphia): 215-551-3360
- Northwest Victim Services (serving Northwest Philadelphia): 215-438-4410
- Northeast Victim Services (serving Northeast Philadelphia): 215-332-3888
- Concilio (serving Hunting Park, Frankford and Kensington) 215-627-3100
- Central Division Victim Services (serving Center City and parts of North Philadelphia): 215-763-3280
In addition to potential criminal charges, DA Krasner said the independent investigation will assess but not be limited to the following questions:
- Can the City of Philadelphia improve representation for children in dependency court?
- Is there a need for regular review of child abuse cases with the DAO, Philadelphia Police Department and advocacy groups?
- Is the appeals process for the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance sufficient?
“These topics may sound bureaucratic, but they can be part of the solution,” DA Krasner said. “As we began this independent investigation into the actors, policies and institutions which led to the death of Malayshia, we will remain mindful and vigilant about the harm of other children, including Black girls and children of color whose experiences, trauma and stories often go overlooked. Our communities and children deserve systems that will prioritize their voice, safety and healing.”
“I also want to thank Mayor Cherelle Parker for her executive order earlier this week to get answers and recommendations to address what went wrong and thank Philadelphia City Council, including Children and Youth Committee Chairman Councilmember Anthony Phillips and Public Safety Committee Chairman Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., for convening a special committee and hearings. Our efforts can and should complement one another.”
CONTACT:
Solomon D. Leach, [email protected]
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