A 36-year-old Philadelphia teacher and foster mother has been charged with the murder of a 10-year-old girl whose body was discovered across the state line in New Jersey. Caprice Williams faces multiple charges in connection with the dєatᩚh of Malayshia Alford, who was last seen alive at her West Philadelphia home on October 22, 2026.
According to authorities, Malayshia was reported missing on October 26. Investigators later recovered surveillance footage showing what they believe was the child’s body being moved from the residence into a vehicle around 2 a.m. that same morning. Police spoke with the driver of the vehicle, who directed them to a location in Lindenwold, New Jersey, approximately 20 miles from the home. The girl’s body was found there late on the night of November 5.
An autopsy determined the cause of dєatᩚh was blunt force trauma, and the medical examiner ruled the dєatᩚh a homicide. Officials noted that the body appeared to have been at the site for some time. ᴀssistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski stated that there were indications of prior 𝘢bu𝘴e and that certain items had been used in connection with that 𝘢bu𝘴e, though she did not provide further details at the press conference.
A community activist who reviewed pH๏τos and video of the home described the conditions inside as resembling a “dungeon,” noting that doors had been drilled shut. Williams initially told investigators that Malayshia had not returned home from school and was not answering her phone. Authorities later said accounts from adults connected to the case contained inconsistencies.
Williams has been charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence, and 𝘢bu𝘴e of a corpse. She has no prior criminal record, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. A judge ordered her held without bail; she is scheduled to return to court on November 23. Officials have not indicated whether additional people may face charges.
Malayshia was a student at Robert E. Lamberton School. Friends and community members gathered for a vigil near the home. One classmate recalled her as kind and friendly to everyone. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a statement expressing grief and saying city agencies would work thoroughly to establish all the facts and seek justice.
The case remains under active investigation by Philadelphia police, the District Attorney’s Office, and other agencies.
