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Autopsy: Malayshia Allford Died of Blunt Force Trauma; Injuries Not Consistent With a Fall
A medical examiner's report shows 10-year-old Malayshia Allford suffered a fractured rib, head and torso bruising, and whip-like marks on her legs before her body was found in Lindenwold, N.J. Her foster mother, Carprice Williams, is charged with murder as Philadelphia leaders demand a review of the foster care system.
PHILADELPHIA â A medical examiner's report has found that 10-year-old Malayshia Allford died of blunt force trauma, detailing a fractured rib, bruising to her head and torso, and whip-like marks across her legs, according to records obtained through reporting sources.
The findings, first reported Tuesday, also concluded that the child's injuries were not consistent with a fall â a determination that undercuts any accidental-death explanation and adds weight to prosecutors' allegations of sustained abuse.
Allford's body was discovered Nov. 4 in Lindenwold, New Jersey, days after she was reported missing from her West Philadelphia home. Her foster mother, 36-year-old Carprice Williams, was arrested one day later and has been charged with murder and related offenses. Williams had been employed as a fifth-grade teacher at Lewis C. Cassidy School in Philadelphia.
According to a criminal complaint, Williams subjected Allford to ongoing abuse before her death. Witnesses cited in the complaint told investigators that Williams threw the child down stairs, denied her food and water, and forced her to wear a weighted vest while repeatedly walking up and down stairs.
Prosecutors also allege Williams tried to conceal the crime after Allford died. Court documents say she sent text messages from her own phone to Allford's phone asking where the child was, then allegedly used Allford's phone to send a response.
The case has ignited outrage across Philadelphia and renewed scrutiny of the city's foster care system. At a community gathering Monday night, residents and advocates demanded change and accountability, and several city leaders have called for a closer review of the circumstances surrounding Allford's placement and death.
At least two Philadelphia City Council members plan to introduce a resolution seeking a hearing with officials from the Department of Human Services. The push for oversight comes as questions mount over how a child in the city's care could allegedly endure repeated abuse before her death.
Williams has previously faced abuse allegations involving a child, according to her attorney. She remains charged in connection with Allford's death as the investigation continues.