PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Police Department is asking the public for assistance in locating 10-year-old Jalayshia “Malayshia” Alford, who was reported missing.
What we know:
Law enforcement sources tell FOX 29, Alford went to school on Thursday, October 22nd, and was seen coming home from school that day to the 500 block of North Simpson Street where she lived—but nothing since.
Simpson did not attend school on Friday, October 23rd, sources say, and was reported missing on Monday, October 26th.
The FBI is now assisting with the investigation. Agents joined Philadelphia Police outside of the home on Tuesday as they canvassed for cameras in the area. Police also utilized a drone in their investigation.
Alford is described as 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing about 70 pounds, according to police.
Investigators say she was last seen wearing a blue uniform polo or button-up shirt, blue skirt, blue pullover, blue stockings and either Crocs or black sneakers. Police say she also wears glasses. At least one cadaver dog was used in a search effort on Monday, November 2, according to sources.
Alford resides on the 500 block of North Simpson Street.
What they’re saying:
Alford’s aunt, Yolanda Brown, says Alford lived with a foster parent. Brown was originally told that Alford left to be with her biological mom, however, Brown says that is not the case.
“It was told to me like my sister had her, but once I caught up with my sister and talked to my sister, she did not have her, so it wasn’t like it was stated like she could just be missing,” said Brown. “So, I believe that’s what’s taking so long.”
Brown and other family members say they put up hundreds of flyers in Delaware County and West Philadelphia to help bring her home safe.
“She’s very intellectual, but she’s very sweet, she’s very kind, she cares about people, she’s very empathetic, and I don’t think this is her nature to run away,” said Cianey Brown, Alford’s sister. “Malayshia if you are safe, I love you and please contact me, any way you can, if anybody you are with does know me please ask them to get in contact with me, because I love you, and I hope that you’re safe.”
What you can do:
Police are urging anyone with information about Alford’s whereabouts to contact the Southwest Detective Division at 215-686-3183 or 215-686-3184.
The Source: This article contains information from the Philadelphia Police Department and sources who spoke with FOX 29.
