Community Demands Answers After Alford's Death
Neighbors in West Philadelphia gathered to question foster care decisions after 10-year-old Malayshia Alford was found dead in New Jersey.
By Lorenzo Patterson ·
Residents of West Philadelphia gathered at Morris Park on Sunday to press for clarity on the foster care decisions that placed 10-year-old Malayshia Alford in the home of a teacher who has since been charged with her murder.
The vigil took place blocks from the North Simpson Street residence where the fourth-grader lived. Family members and neighbors lit candles and voiced support for Alford's biological relatives, who stated that they had previously sought custody before her placement.
Police reported that Alford, a student at Robert E. Lamberton Public School, was last seen in late October. After a ten-day search by local and regional law enforcement, investigators located her body inside the trunk of a car parked at an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey.
Caprice Williams, 36, faces charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. The Philadelphia elementary school teacher is currently held without bail. Attorneys for Alford's estate and community speakers cited child welfare concerns from 2021 regarding Williams during the service.
The Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney's Office have issued subpoenas for records from the Department of Human Services and private provider agencies. DHS officials stated that state confidentiality laws limit public comments while criminal investigations remain open.
