Missing Philadelphia Girl Found Dead in New Jersey

The search for 10-year-old Jalayshia Allford ended with the discovery of her body inside a car at an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey. The West Philadelphia girl had been missing for more than a week, according to sources who spoke with Action News.

Sources told Action News that authorities located Jalayshia's body overnight at the Stonington Court Apartments in Camden County. Officials had not immediately released additional details about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Jalayshia was last seen on Oct. 26 at the home where she lived with her foster family on the 500 block of North Simpson Street in Philadelphia.

Investigators had been examining conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case. Police previously warned that the missing child might face an elevated risk of harm or injury.

Jalayshia's biological father, Nazir Allford, spoke with Action News on Wednesday as the search continued. He described his primary concern as finding his daughter.

"All I'm concerned with is my child. I'm not concerned about nothing else," Nazir Allford said.

Other biological relatives also described the emotional strain caused by the lack of information about Jalayshia's whereabouts before her body was discovered.

"It's really so much pain in not knowing," said Nyfisha Allford, Jalayshia's aunt.

Family members also expressed concern about Nazir Allford. Court records show that he previously pleaded guilty to charges related to interference with child custody. However, relatives said he wanted what was best for his daughter.

Jalayshia's uncle, Nafis Horne, defended the relationship between the father and daughter while describing the family's position.

"He loved his daughter. His daughter loved him. We're vouching for that as a family because we know that," Nafis Horne said.

Nazir Allford said he had devoted his life to pursuing custody of Jalayshia after she entered the foster care system several years ago.

Before the discovery, relatives had also called on Jalayshia's foster parent to provide information about the child's disappearance and communicate with the family.

"I would just really like it if you can come out, speak to the news, speak to somebody. Let us know what's going on," Nyfisha Allford said.