Jarvis Butts Pleads Guilty: Did He Hide Na'Ziyah Harris' Body After Assaulting Five Girls?

A Detroit man has pleaded guilty to the murder of 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris and the sexual assault of five girls, raising urgent questions about the whereabouts of the young girl's body. Jarvis Butts, 43, admitted to second-degree murder in connection with Harris' 2024 death and was given a sentencing agreement of 35 to 60 years in prison.

Authorities and family members continue to search for Na'Ziyah's remains nearly two years after she was last seen.

Butts had previously faced charges including first-degree murder, child sexually abusive commercial activity, and sexual assault of Na'Ziyah, but these were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

He also pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct related to the sexual assaults of five girls aged between four and 13.

Details of the Crimes

Prosecutors allege Butts began a sexual relationship with Na'Ziyah while dating her aunt, and digital evidence played a key role in linking him to her disappearance. According to The Detroit News, investigators used phone records, witness testimony, and forensic findings as part of their case, though Na'Ziyah's body still has not been found.

Court testimony revealed that a nine-year-old cousin witnessed Butts assault Na'Ziyah at his auto shop. The cousin also stated that Butts attempted to engage in sexual activity with her, which she refused.

Investigators also highlighted digital evidence, including text messages between Butts and Na'Ziyah dating back to March 2023. Butts reportedly sent messages such as 'stop messing with people and just be mine,' while Na'Ziyah called him 'babe' and confided that he was the only person she really trusted.

In early December 2023, Butts conducted internet searches on abortion pills and other methods to end a pregnancy, according to police testimony.

Timeline of Last Known Whereabouts

Na'Ziyah, a seventh-grader at J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy, was last seen leaving her school bus near Cornwell Street and Three Mile Drive. Butts picked her up from school on 9 January 2024 and brought her to his auto shop.

Tracking of Butts' phone placed him at the Conner Street auto shop around 4:00 p.m. before travelling to Ypsilanti later that evening. Witnesses reported seeing a girl matching Na'Ziyah's description at the auto shop, wearing a distinctive colourful jacket. Authorities say this was the last confirmed sighting of the girl.

Evidence Collected

Investigators recovered several items along 7 Mile and Berg Road, including a pink onesie, a black hoodie, gloves, and a pair of Nike shoes.

DNA testing confirmed the presence of both Na'Ziyah's and Butts' DNA on the black hoodie, with blood detected on the hoodie and the pink jumpsuit. Officials said the evidence indicates that Butts may have attempted to cover up the crime.

Family and Community Response

Na'Ziyah's great-aunt, Jernell Smith-Holland, said in May 2024 that 'so many systems failed Na'Ziyah.' Family members have stated they previously contacted Child Protective Services about concerns regarding Butts, but no action was taken.

The case has left a profound emotional impact on the family and raised questions about the response of local authorities.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Butts is scheduled to be sentenced on 12 March 2026 in Wayne Circuit Court. The plea agreement dismissed more severe charges but ensured a lengthy prison term.

During the preliminary examination, Detroit's 36th District Court Judge Aliyah Sabree described Butts as a 'monster' and highlighted the failures of multiple systems intended to protect children.