DETROIT, MI – A chilling case has emerged in Detroit as authorities arrest a Michigan man, 41, in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of a 13-year-old girl, believed to be carrying his child. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, under Kym Worthy’s direction, has charged Jarvis Butts with first-degree murder, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and possession of child sexually abusive material, all linked to the case of Na’Ziyah Harris.
Na’Ziyah was last seen on January 9 when she left her school bus near her home on Detroit’s east side. Her grandmother reported her missing after she failed to return home that day. Investigations revealed that Na’Ziyah met with Butts after school, and he was later seen checking into a local hotel the same evening.
Despite being an active social media user and maintaining close ties with her family and friends, Na’Ziyah has not been heard from since that day. Her social media accounts fell silent, and she missed her 14th birthday on September 16, raising further alarm among those who knew her.
In the months following her disappearance, investigators conducted a thorough inquiry, examining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing phone records. Although Na’Ziyah’s body has not been recovered, the evidence collected has led authorities to believe she is no longer alive.
The investigation uncovered that Butts began grooming Na’Ziyah in 2022, leading to repeated sexual assaults. Prior to her disappearance, Na’Ziyah learned she was pregnant and confided in Butts, who was identified as the father. It is alleged that Butts sought ways for her to terminate the pregnancy. Explicit photos of Na’Ziyah were also found on his phone.
Further investigation into Butts’ background revealed a disturbing pattern of targeting young girls. He faces charges in two additional cases involving minors. In one case, he is accused of sexually abusing a girl, now 20, between 2012 and 2014, and in another, a girl, now 13, between 2015 and 2017. Both cases involve charges of criminal sexual conduct.
Prosecutor Worthy highlighted Butts’ method of ingratiating himself with women to gain access to their daughters. Notably, he had fathered children with Na’Ziyah’s aunt. Already a convicted sex offender, Butts has remained in custody since August on unrelated charges. His arraignment on the current charges is scheduled for Friday.