In a shocking development Jarvis Butts the 43-year-old man convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris, was found dead in his prison cell Thursday morning at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, Michigan.
Authorities are investigating his death as an apparent suicide sending ripples through the justice system and the Detroit community.
Butts had been sentenced only two weeks ago to 35 to 60 years in prison for second-degree murder, in addition to multiple sentences for sexually assaulting five other young girls aged 4 to 13.
Despite the brutal nature of his crimes and the lengthy sentences, his sudden death leaves questions about accountability and the ongoing search for Na’Ziyah’s remains.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy confirmed that Butts’ death is under investigation by the Michigan State Police. Staff at the facility attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead shortly after being found unresponsive.
Investigators previously revealed that Na’Ziyah had been groomed by Butts and was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death, allegedly with Butts as the father.
As part of a plea deal, he had provided authorities with a statement about the location of her body, though her remains have yet to be recovered.
The case had already shocked Detroit and beyond, with Butts’ sentencing drawing emotional statements from victims and family members, highlighting the horrific scope of his crimes.
His death now leaves unanswered questions and adds a new layer of tragedy to an already devastating case.
