Pedophile Who Murdered 13-Year-Old Found Dead in Jail Cell

Michigan man convicted of killing Na'Ziyah Harris and sexually assaulting other young girls dies in prison

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A 43-year-old man convicted of killing a 13-year-old girl he allegedly impregnated and sexually assaulting other young victims has been found dead in his prison cell in Michigan. Authorities are investigating the death as a suicide, though the victim's family is concerned they may never find the girl's body now that her killer is gone.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the ongoing challenges in seeking justice and closure for victims' families. It also raises questions about prison safety and the mental health support available to incarcerated individuals.

The details

Jarvis Butts pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Na'Ziyah Harris and was sentenced to 35 to 60 years in prison, along with five 10- to 15-year sentences for sexually assaulting other child victims. As part of his plea deal, Butts was required to divulge the location of Na'Ziyah's body, but he never did. Authorities say evidence showed Butts had allegedly groomed the 13-year-old girl starting in 2022 and that she was pregnant when she was killed.

  • Butts was sentenced two weeks before his death on March 27, 2026.
  • Na'Ziyah Harris was last seen alive in January 2024 when she exited a bus in Detroit.

The players

Jarvis Butts

A 43-year-old man convicted of killing a 13-year-old girl he allegedly impregnated and sexually assaulting other young victims.

Na'Ziyah Harris

A 13-year-old girl who was killed by Jarvis Butts and whose body has not been found.

Kym Worthy

The Wayne County Prosecutor who said evidence showed Butts had allegedly groomed Na'Ziyah Harris starting in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“My brother knows that I have been a victim of sexual assault, and he knows the pain it caused. I can't understand why he would have caused that to an innocent child.”

— Jarvis Butts' sister

“I think it was a bit of a cowardly way out, but he made his bed so he has to lay in it, you know? I still feel like we didn't get answers for Ni'Ziyah. I feel like there were a lot of unanswered questions still about the case.”

— Na'Ziyah Harris' cousin

What’s next

The Michigan State Police are investigating Jarvis Butts' death as a suicide.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the ongoing challenges in seeking justice and closure for victims' families. It also raises important questions about prison safety and the mental health support available to incarcerated individuals.