Missing 13-year-old girl who went after school to meet a 41-year-old man she got pregnant with is now presumed dead; man charged
Michigan – In a deeply disturbing case in Michigan, a 41-year-old man, identified as J. Butts, has been accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl, identified as N. Harris, after learning she was pregnant with his child. Prosecutors announced the arrest and charges against Butts, who is accused of ending the young girl’s life under horrific circumstances. The charges laid against him include first-degree murder, second-degree criminal se-ual conduct, and possession of child se-ually abusive material. in the disappearance and suspected death of the girl
Harris was reported missing by her grandmother on January 9, after she failed to return home from school. Last seen getting off the school bus near her home, the initial traces of Harris’ whereabouts led to a chilling discovery. According to investigators, after school on the day she vanished, Harris met up with Butts, a man who was later found to have a deeply troubling history with her. That evening, Butts checked into a local hotel room, and Harris was never seen or heard from again. Prosecutor K. Worthy emphasized the extent of Harris’ disappearance, noting her sudden absence from social media and lack of contact with friends or family, which was highly uncharacteristic given her active online presence.
The investigation into Harris’s disappearance involved reviewing surveillance footage, conducting numerous interviews, and examining phone records. Although Harris’ body has not been found, authorities are confident she is deceased. Officials noted that Harris’ social media accounts went silent, she did not return to school, and she had no contact with family or friends. Additionally, she missed her 14th birthday on September 16.
The probe into Harris’ life prior to her disappearance revealed a sinister pattern of behavior from Butts. It was uncovered that he had begun grooming Harris in 2022 and initiated a se-ual relationship shortly thereafter. Matters took a darker turn when Harris disclosed to Butts that she was pregnant. According to Prosecutor Worthy, Butts then began searching for ways to terminate the pregnancy. Investigations also revealed explicit photos of Harris on Butts’ phone, further implicating him in abusive activities. “He knew she was pregnant. We know that he was also searching for ways to a-ort the baby,” Worthy stated, revealing the calculated intentions behind Butts’ actions.
Further investigation into Butts’ past activities uncovered that he had targeted other young girls as well. Additional charges have been brought against him related to incidents involving two girls under the age of 13, showcasing a pattern of predatory behavior. Authorities say Butts se-ually abused a girl, now 20, between 2012 and 2014 and another girl, now 13, between 2015 and 2017. He’s charged with criminal se-ual conduct in both cases
Jarvis Butts had previously fathered children with Harris’ aunt and had been in custody since August on unrelated charges. Following his arraignment in court on Friday, he was denied bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 4. This case has shaken the local community and highlighted the dire need for vigilant protection of vulnerable minors. As the legal process unfolds, the community and Harris’ family await justice, hoping for closure in this deeply tragic case.
