Search for missing 10-year-old girl in West Philadelphia stretches past one week

Police in Philadelphia have not yet found Jalayshia Allford, a 10-year-old West Philadelphia girl who vanished more than eight days ago, and their efforts grew on Wednesday, 6abc Action News reported.

NBC10 said she was last spotted at about 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 26 on North Simpson Street's 500 block. The outlets differ on spelling: 6abc and CBS Philadelphia wrote "Allford," while NBC10 wrote "Alford" and gave her nickname as "Malayshia."

Both 6abc and NBC10 reported that police consider her possibly in danger.

When last seen, she had on a blue school uniform consisting of a shirt, skirt, pullover and stockings, plus Crocs or black sneakers, according to NBC10. The station added that she wears glasses.

Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, a heavy police presence gathered near Daggett and Vine streets as investigators focused there, 6abc reported, adding that it was told nothing significant was found. Later that night, officers checked a field in West Philadelphia and found an animal's remains, NBC10 reported.

Citing sources, 6abc said the girl had been living in foster care and that investigators were reportedly weighing conflicting statements from adults tied to the case. Neighbors told NBC10 she was a foster child on their block, and that officers had questioned people nearby, checked home security video and brought dogs to the house where she was thought to live. According to 6abc, investigators have shared no more details about how she went missing.

CBS Philadelphia reported that residents held a gathering Wednesday night in West Philadelphia amid rising worry.

Nazir Allford, her biological father, told 6abc he has devoted years to seeking custody since she was placed in foster care. "All I'm concerned with is my child. I'm not concerned about nothing else," he said. Relatives also urged her foster parent to speak out publicly, the station reported.

Block captain Rhonda Wilson told NBC10 that people on the street were stunned to learn a local child had disappeared. "Just bring her home," she said.

NBC10 reported that police want anyone with information to call 215-686-3183 or 215-686-3184. 6abc listed the tip line 215-686-TIPS.

Compiled by True News from reporting by CBS Philadelphia, 6abc Action News and NBC10 Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/778