Nationwide — Shardee McGill, a 33-year-old African American mother, and her 3-year-old daughter, Janae, from Jackson, Mississippi, were found dead in Alabama days after being reported missing from their home. Authorities recovered their bodies and vehicle, and continue to search for answers.
According to Cleveland19, Shardee and her daughter were last seen alive on Sunday. The next day, her husband, 34-year-old Johnathan, reported them missing to Jackson police. Their disappearance launched a multi-agency search across state lines.
On Thursday, investigators discovered Shardee’s body in a shallow body of water near Epes, Alabama, over 100 miles from her home. The following day, authorities confirmed Janae was also found dead in the same area.
Police also recovered the black Chevrolet Equinox that the mother and child were traveling in. Officials have not released details about how the vehicle was found or its condition.
Interim Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones said Johnathan McGill was taken in for questioning but later released. Jones added that the investigation is ongoing, with no suspects, no cause of death, and no arrests at this time.
The tragedy has left the northeast Jackson community shaken as authorities continue searching for answers. Law enforcement is asking anyone with information to come forward.