Report via KHOU -- HOUSTON -- The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office on Monday formally identified the child’s body found in Arkansas on Friday as Maleah Davis.
It's the news all of Houston knew but didn't want to hear.
The investigation into how she died continues at this time. Tim Miller with the volunteer search group EquuSearch said it may be impossible to determine, however.
Miller told KHOU 11 over the weekend the child's remains were left in a plastic bag that was run over by mowers.
“It was a gruesome sight. It was a terrible sight to see. It took hours gathering up body parts and evidence,” said Miller.
Medical examiners in Harris County are testing what little was left intact.
“They’re doing an autopsy to determine the cause of death. I think it’s going to be impossible,” said Miller.
The image he can’t shake is seeing a little pink barrette among the remains thrown out like trash.
Maleah's stepfather, Derion Vence, who initially claimed the child was kidnapped on May 3, remains in Harris County Jail on a charge of tampering with a corpse in connection with the child's disappearance. He is being held on a $45,000 bond.
Vence reportedly confessed to the killing when Houston activist Quanell X visited him in jail on Friday. He said "it was an accident" without indicating how the girl may have died. The Harris County District Attorney's Office is looking to file murder charges against Vence, spokesman Dane Schiller said.
"Prosecutors continue their review and are working with Houston Police," he said in a text. "Additional charges would be filed as the evidence supports doing so. We remain focused on finding the truth and delivering justice for Maleah."
Follow Me
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
}
Comments