DA to launch independent investigation into 10-year-old girl's death

Philadelphia DA to launch independent investigation into 10-year-old girl's death District Attorney Larry Krasner will announce an independent probe Thursday into the death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford amid calls for answers. By Marcela Camargo and Lili Zheng • Published 13 minutes ago • Updated 8 minutes ago The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office will launch an independent investigation into the death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford. District Attorney Larry Krasner will hold a news conference Thursday to share more details about the planned investigation into Alford's death amid growing calls for accountability as new information emerges about her foster mother, Carprice Williams, who has been charged with the girl's murder. Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE NBC10 will stream the news conference live in the player above at 12:45 p.m. The announcement comes on the same day that City Council members Curtis Jones Jr. and Anthony Phillips are expected to introduce a resolution to examine the foster care system and how Alford ended up in Williams' care despite a history of abuse concerns involving other children. Philadelphia Police, Family Photo Philadelphia Police, Family Photo On Nov. 4, 2026, Williams, 36, was arrested and charged with the girl's murder. Alford was last seen alive at a West Philadelphia home on Oct. 22. After she was reported missing, her body was found in the trunk of a vehicle in Lindenwold, New Jersey, on Nov. 4. Investigators said Alford died from blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide. They also said Williams had repeatedly physically abused the girl while she was in her care for about a year. Local Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. First Alert Weather 1 hour ago First Alert: Storms could bring hail, damaging winds and tornado risk Philadelphia 8 hours ago Exclusive: Philadelphia police investigating violent attack after NBC10 report The city confirmed Alford was in the legal custody of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) while Williams was her foster mother. The girl was receiving case management services from Catholic Community Services, Community Umbrella Agency No. 4. Alford and Williams were also receiving services from Pennsylvania MENTOR, the certifying foster care agency. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522. Alford's murder has sparked outrage and calls for accountability among her family, community members and elected officials. Mayor Cherelle Parker said Tuesday that she ordered a review of Philadelphia's foster care system following Alford's murder and signed an executive order establishing a Child Welfare Review Committee (CWRC). “This is a crisis of unimaginable proportions. The death of Malayshia Alford has shaken me and our city to its core,” Parker said. “The review required by law must take place, but I am requiring the city to do more. We must examine our foster care system thoroughly and independently, identify where it must improve and act to better protect our children.” Mayor Cherelle Parker ordered a review of Philadelphia's foster care system following the murder of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford. NBC10's Lili Zheng has more. Philadelphia's Act 33 team will conduct a review of Alford's death, as required by Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law. The DHS is legally required to perform an Act 33 review whenever a child dies or nearly dies from suspected abuse or neglect. The review will assess the performance of the Philadelphia DHS and Pennsylvania DHS in Alford's case and recommend steps to prevent future child abuse, officials said. A memorial for Alford now stands outside the West Philadelphia home where she lived. On Thursday, nearly 1,000 people are expected to participate in a car and bike ride from West Philadelphia to Harrisburg in honor of Alford. This article tagged under: Philadelphia