Two people are behind bars after authorities found the remains of a baby girl on Saturday, who hadn’t been seen since July.
WYFF reports that authorities arrested Ladasha Harriett and her boyfriend, Daquan Simmons, for death of Aaliyana McCoy, a 9-month-old little girl who was last seen in in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in July. According to Myrtle Beach Police Capt. Joey Crosby, detectives indicated that foul play was involved in the child’s death, although the exact manner of death is not yet official.
According to arrest warrants, Harriett saw Simmons “severely beat” the little girl on July 15. Simmons then allegedly took the infant and put her deceased body in a car seat and dropped her off in a hidden location. The following day, both Harriett and Simmons reportedly bought a shovel, went back to where Simmons left the baby, dug a shallow grave in a different area, and buried Aaliyana, according to WMBF.
On Saturday, Horry County Coroner Darris Fowler identified the remains found as Aaliyana McCoy. He said he estimated her age at around 9 months, meaning she likely died on July 15. Authorities found her remains close to the Socastee area.
“The remains were sent to Charleston to determine the cause of death,” Fowler said.
During their bond hearings, both suspects pleaded not guilty. If convicted, the face 20 years to life in prison. It’s unclear whether they have attorneys.
Meanwhile, a family member set up a GoFundMe page to help with the baby’s funeral and memorial services.
“It hurts knowing the girl you grew up with could let something so terrible happen, like letting someone hurt her baby,” Aaliyana’s aunt, Quamya Harriett, wrote.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information is urged to contact MBPD at 843-918-1382.
Check back with CrimeOnline as additional detail become available.
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