FBI joins Philadelphia police search for missing 10-year-old Jalayshia Alford
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Philadelphia police and the FBI are searching for 10-year-old Jalayshia Alford, missing since October 26.
She was in foster care, and investigators are focusing on that home.
Background
Jalayshia "Malayshia" Alford is a 10-year-old girl from West Philadelphia, 4 feet 11 inches tall and about 70 pounds, who wears glasses and was last seen in a blue school uniform. She was living in foster care when she disappeared, and investigators' focus remains on the home where she was in foster care. Family members say they have not seen her in two years and had previously tried to gain custody of her.
How it unfolded
- Oct 22, 2026Law enforcement sources tell FOX 29 that Alford went to school and was seen coming home that day.
- Oct 23, 2026She did not attend school on Friday, October 23.
- Oct 26, 2026Alford was last seen at about 7:30 a.m. on the 500 block of North Simpson Street, where she lives, and was reported missing that day.
- Oct 30, 2026A Philadelphia Police Department blotter post asks the public for help finding her; investigators believe she may be staying with friends or relatives who don't know she was reported missing.
- Nov 2, 2026At least one cadaver dog was used in a search effort, according to sources.
- Nov 3, 2026Police and the FBI are searching for Alford, who police believe could be in danger.
- Nov 4, 2026Police and the FBI search Cobb Creek Park near Vine and Daggett streets, with the crime scene unit, homicide investigators and prosecutors gathering nearby; the area was later cleared after dog remains were found there Wednesday night. Investigators have made no arrests and Alford remains missing.
Key terms
- FBI
- The principal federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency of the United States, part of the Department of Justice.
- foster care
- A system in which a minor is placed with a state-certified caregiver or approved family instead of their own parents.
- custody
- The legal and practical relationship giving a parent or guardian the right and duty to care for a child.
Source: Wikipedia
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Philadelphia police say Alford "may be at special risk of harm or injury" and are asking the public for help locating her.
- Family
- Her aunt Nyfisha Allford says she tried to gain custody of the girl but was ignored, and that the family thought she was safe.
- Family
- Her sister Cianey Brown describes her as intellectual, sweet and empathetic, and says running away is not in her nature.
- Family
- Her biological father, Nazir Allford, says he has dedicated his life to gaining custody of his daughter and urges her to contact somebody.
Still unverified
Investigators are sorting through conflicting accounts in the case and are piecing together a timeline of her last known movements, according to sources.