Murder charges against Philadelphia foster mother

Caprice Williams, a 36-year-old teacher and foster mother, has been charged with the murder of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford. Alford had been missing from her West Philadelphia home since October 22, 2026, and her remains were discovered on November 4 in the trunk of a vehicle at an apartment complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey.

A medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. Prosecutors allege that Williams abused the child by denying her food and water, throwing her down stairs, and forcing her to wear a weighted vest while walking stairs. It is also alleged that Williams attempted to cover up the crime by sending text messages from the child's phone after her death.

Williams faces multiple felony charges, including murder, endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Reports indicate that Williams had previously been accused of nearly fatal abuse and malnourishment involving a 4-year-old child in 2021. Although state officials reportedly recommended she not foster children again following that incident, she remained in a position to care for Alford. A lawsuit regarding the previous case was reportedly settled earlier this year.

Following the charges, Philadelphia City Councilmembers Curtis Jones Jr. and Anthony Phillips announced intentions to introduce a resolution for a formal hearing. The investigation aims to examine the foster care system, specifically how the school district, the court system, and the Department of Human Services may have failed to identify risks to the child. District Attorney Larry Krasner stated the investigation is ongoing and may lead to additional charges against individuals within the systems responsible for the child’s protection.