Police continue search at trash landfills after accused killer says he hid little girl in dumpster after killing her mother: Police

South Carolina authorities continue their search for a missing 4-year-old who is presumed dead after an alleged killer admitted he hid her in a dumpster, according to police.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities are searching for 5-year-old Nevaeh Lashy Adams. A family member reportedly found the girl’s mother, Sharee Bradley, deceased inside her home at the Lantana Apartments, off of Carolina Avenue in Sumter, at around 6 p.m. Monday.

Nevaeh, who lived with her mother, was nowhere in sight.

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A suspect, 28-year-old Daunte Maurice Johnson was spotted running away from the apartment. Police subsequently detained him and online Sumter County inmate records show he’s been charged with murder. However, details surroundings Bradley’s death are not yet available. A medical examiner is scheduled to determine her official cause of death.

WSOCTV reports that Johnson allegedly told authorities he killed both Sharee and Nevaeh Adams. Sumter Police spokeswoman Tonyia McGirt said on Tuesday that the suspect is trying to assist police in locating the girl’s body.

Johnson said he left the girl in a trash bin at a Sumter apartment complex, according to Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark. The trash has since been taken to the Richland and Sumter County landfills. Authorities are currently sifted through more than 46,000 pounds of garbage, as well as other places.

“We believe the 5-year-old is deceased,” Roark said at a Tuesday press conference.

It’s unclear how Johnson knew the family. Police said he’s a transient who was possibly acquaintances with them.

Johnson has a lengthy criminal past, including charges for violating a domestic violence restraining order and two cases of assault. He’s also reportedly wanted in connection with a homicide in Missouri, according to the outlet.

Nevaeh is described as a black female who stands 4-foot-3-inches tall and weighs around 50 pounds. She has black braided hair and brown eyes.

On Monday, police said they didn’t issue an AMBER Alert because the case doesn’t meet the qualifications.

Anyone with information should call the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700 or CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC. You can also submit an online tip.

Check back with CrimeOnline for updates.

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