Jarvis Butts

Jarvis Butts faced murder and sex crime charges for allegedly killing 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris, who prosecutors say he groomed, sexually assaulted and impregnated before killing her. Butts was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and possession of sexually abusive material involving a minor. He was also charged with sex crimes in two separate cases, involving a now 20-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl, with criminal sexual conduct charges, for offenses that happened when both victims were under the age of 13. It is alleged that Butts targeted and befriended women to have sexual relationships with their young daughters. Na'Ziyah Harris was last seen on January 9, 2024 getting off a school bus about a quarter mile from her home. Na'Ziyah had used her tablet to tell Butts that she would meet him after school. It is alleged that Butts sent Na'Ziyah multiple texts of a sexually-explicit nature beginning in September 2022. In return she reportedly sent him sexually explicit photographs of herself. It is alleged that in September 2023 she texted Butts that she had not had her period, and in November 2023 the evidence reportedly shows that Butts knew that she is pregnant. The 'overwhelming evidence' shows that Na'Ziyah Harris is dead, though her remains still have not been found. Investigators believe Jarvis Butts killed the girl because she was pregnant with his child. Officials say his phone records show that he searched online about abortions, abortion pills, and drinking red anti-freeze. On January 10, 2024, it is alleged that Butts was in the Rouge River area in Detroit. The clothing Na'Ziyah was last seen wearing was found in this same area. In a plea deal Butts has pleaded guilty in six cases to second-degree murder, four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. A sentencing agreement is part of the plea deal: The sentences are: 35 to 60 years for Second-Degree Murder; 10 to 15 years for four counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct; and 10 to 15 years for one count of Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. The sentences are all to be served concurrently.