PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced murder charges Thursday following the death of a missing 10-year-old girl whose body was found in South Jersey.
Authorities said the girl's foster mother, 36-year-old Caprice Williams, has been charged with murder, abuse of a corpse and several related offenses.
The victim, Malayshia Allford, had been the subject of an intensive 10-day search after she disappeared from West Philadelphia.
According to Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski, investigators believe Malayshia was last seen alive on Oct. 22.
Authorities said surveillance video from Oct. 26 at approximately 1:53 a.m. appears to show a body being removed from a home on the 600 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia.
WATCH FULL: Philly DA announces charges after missing 10-year-old girl found dead
"It was that video that then led law enforcement officials to a suspect vehicle, which then led law enforcement officials to find that vehicle and find a person that they wanted to speak to related to that vehicle," Toczylowski said.
Police were able to speak with a witness tied to the vehicle, which ultimately led them to the body.
Authorities said Malayshia was found dead in a car at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey, around 11 p.m. Wednesday.
It's believed her body was transferred to another vehicle before she was found.
A medical examiner determined that the 10-year-old died from blunt force trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide.
"She deserved safety. She deserved to be loved. She deserved a chance to grow up," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel during a news conference as Allford's biological family watched on in tears.
The investigation began after Williams reportedly told police that Malayshia did not return home from school and was not answering her phone. After police started investigating, they said there were conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case.
WATCH: Memorial grows in West Philly following death of missing girl
On Thursday night, the community gathered in West Philadelphia, where she was last seen.
"These balloons are just a symbol of love, the outpouring of love that we have for this baby," a resident said.
Malcolm Jordan was part of the local search party in West Philadelphia. He can't believe this tragic outcome.
"It's heartbreaking that this is the end result. I just wish it was a different result, man, and we just gotta do what we can to prevent this stuff from happening," he said.
Malayshia had attended Robert E. Lamberton School.
"The School District of Philadelphia is heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of 10-year old Robert E. Lamberton student, Malayshia Allford. We wish to extend our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathy to her family, friends and classmates," the school district said in a statement.
Allford's friend, Zayla, stopped by the vigil with a poster expressing her classroom's love.
"She was like nice; she was nice to everybody. She was friends with everybody. And the last time I saw her, I gave her a hug," the friend said.
Sources say Williams was an educator herself, working at the Lewis C. Cassidy School.
Zayla's parent said Williams happened to be their daughter's teacher.
"Just letting her know everything is going to be OK. She don't really understand that was her teacher. And she just keeps asking a lot of questions. I don't even have the answers," said Ryenise Hodges of West Philadelphia.
Prosecutors indicated that there were signs of abuse and that objects may have been used to inflict injuries. They declined to provide further details about her injuries.
WATCH: Assistant DA Ashley Toczylowski speaks about charges in the case
Malayshia's family asked for privacy as they prepare to lay her to rest.
Family members thanked the community for its support during the search and asked the public to avoid judgment as they cope with the loss.
"If you know us, you know what's going on. But please, please support my family with the love that we need. No judgment," said Malayshia's biological uncle, Nafis Horne.
Horne believes more people were involved in his niece's death and wants those responsible to be held accountable.
Anyone with information on the case can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
WATCH: Family members speak after charges announced in missing girl's death
