Man Convicted In Tragic Murder Of Na’Ziyah Harris, Jarvis Butts Found Deceased In Prison Weeks After Sentencing!

A shocking twist has unfolded in the heartbreaking case of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris!

Jarvis Butts, 43 the man who pleaded guilty to her murder and multiple sexual assault charges has been found dead while in custody, just weeks after being sentenced to 35 to 60 years behind bars.

Authorities confirmed his death occurred inside a Michigan prison, with early reports suggesting it may have been a suicide, though investigations remain ongoing, reports Fox 2 Detroit News.

“MDOC staff provided life-saving measures which were unsuccessful. The Michigan State Police have been called to the facility to investigate; the death is currently being reported as a suicide,” officials said in a statement.

Butts’ death comes before many questions surrounding Na’Ziyah’s case could be fully answered. The Detroit teen, who went missing in January 2024, has still not been found, leaving her family without the closure they were promised as part of his plea deal.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said text messages revealed Na’Ziyah met up with Butts the same day she disappeared. She was last seen alive by her family boarding a bus in Detroit.

Prosecutors previously revealed disturbing details tied to the case, including evidence of grooming and abuse leading up to her death. Court documents showed that Butts, who knew Harris’s family members, groomed the young girl beginning in 2022. The 13 year old was pregnant when she was killed, and Butts was the unborn child’s father.

The prosecutor’s office, reveals Butts internet search included inquires for abortions, abortion pills, and drinking red anti-freeze prior to Harris’s death.

Now, with Butts gone, the search for justice continues in a different form. While his sentencing marked a step toward accountability, his sudden death has left crucial questions unanswered.

After Butts was charged with the murder of Harris, he was also charged with different degrees of sex crimes against five additional girls between the ages of 4 and 13. All of which occurred before Harris’ disappearance, reports Fox 2 Detroit News. It has been indicated that he has a previous sex crime conviction for assault against a child.

Authorities say efforts to locate her remains are still active, as her loved ones continue to seek the peace they deserve.

“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,” Worthy said.