Child Predator Jarvis Butts Sentenced for Murder, Sexual Assault

Butts receives 35-60 years for killing 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris and additional charges of child sexual assault

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:19pm

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Jarvis Butts, a 43-year-old child predator, was sentenced to 35-60 years in prison for the murder of 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris. Butts was also sentenced to 10-15 years for sexually assaulting other children, with the sentences to run concurrently. As part of his plea deal, Butts provided information on the location of Harris' body, though it has not been recovered.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of child predators in the community and the importance of protecting vulnerable children. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to effectively punish and rehabilitate such offenders.

The details

Butts pleaded guilty to killing Na'Ziyah Harris, who was last seen getting off a school bus in Detroit in January 2024. Butts admitted to sexually assaulting Harris, who was 11 years old at the time, and impregnating her. Prosecutors believe Butts tried to abort the pregnancy before ultimately killing Harris. Butts was also sentenced for sexually assaulting at least five other girls aged 4 to 13 prior to Harris' disappearance.

  • On January 9, 2024, Na'Ziyah Harris was last seen getting off a school bus in Detroit.
  • On March 12, 2026, Jarvis Butts was sentenced to 35-60 years in prison for Harris' murder and additional sexual assault charges.

The players

Jarvis Butts

A 43-year-old child predator who was sentenced to 35-60 years in prison for the murder of 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris and additional charges of child sexual assault.

Na'Ziyah Harris

A 13-year-old girl who was murdered by Jarvis Butts. Butts had been sexually assaulting Harris since she was 11 years old and impregnated her before killing her.

Kym Worthy

The Wayne County Prosecutor who stated that the plea deal with Butts was to provide the Harris family with closure by obtaining information on the location of Na'Ziyah's body.

Tijuana Butts

The sister of Jarvis Butts who testified that she saw Na'Ziyah Harris getting out of Jarvis' truck at his auto shop on the same day Harris was last seen.

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What they’re saying

“We are satisfied with the statement he has given.”

— Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor (CBS News)

“One of the most important aspects of the plea agreement was giving Na'Ziyah's family some semblance of closure. The disclosure of the location of her body was crucial.”

— Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor (CBS News)

“For the last two years, I have had to go back to that day when I saw a little girl I did not know, that I had never seen. I wish that there was a sign, but she looked OK and I believed she was someone else's niece.”

— Tijuana Butts (Click On Detroit)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Jarvis Butts to be eligible for parole after serving 35 years of his sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger measures to protect children from predators like Jarvis Butts, including harsher sentences, better monitoring of known offenders, and greater support for victims and their families.