Malayshia Alford investigation: Text messages show foster mother posed as missing child

Tonight we are continuing to look for answers in the murder of 10-year-old Malaysia Alford, her foster mother accused of killing her, and a memorial in Malaysia's honor is growing outside her foster home. Our Kelly Rule tracking some new developments today, including Malaysia's lack of attendance at school. Law enforcement sources tell me tonight Malaysia missed nearly four weeks of school this school year alone and that several weeks more than what she missed in the entire 2025 to 2026 school year. This is yet another troubling development and a tragic case that has so many asking questions. It breaks the trust with not only her. It's like to let your child go with anyone. Doretha Murray and her son Ty had to come see this in person. A sea of pink and purple for 10-year-old Malisha Alford. Outside the home where she lived with her foster mother, 36-year-old Caprice Williams, now charged with her murder. Murray says Williams taught her son last year. As a parent, I was horrified. Like, my kid was under somebody who had these capabilities. My son said that he feels betrayed. I'm going to read. It's real hard for him to adjust. And to try and cope with this. Law enforcement sources tell Fox 29 Malaysia missed nearly four weeks of school this school year. A spokesperson for the district says they refrain from commenting on students' attendance as it's private, but there is protocol that the district follows when it comes to three or more unexcused absences. And there are certain conditions or situations that must be met in order for a student to have an excused absence. Malaysia was last seen returning to Williams' home on North Simpson Street on Thursday, October 22nd, after school. Investigators say she did not go to school the next day and was reported missing on Monday, October 26th. That same day, law enforcement sources tell Fox 29, Williams used Malaysia's phone to text herself, pretending to be her foster daughter. Fox 29 obtained a copy of that text message. It reads in part, quote, Mommy, I know you are waiting for me to come home, but my family, they don't want me to be adopted, and I just wish we could all be together. Adding, please don't be mad, and I'm sorry, Mommy. Williams responded, saying in part, quote, May, baby, I'm no mad at you, but you have to come home. Tell me where you are, and I'm coming. You don't know these people, and I need to keep you safe. Wednesday night, more than a week after she was reported missing, Malaysia's body was found in a trunk of a car in Lindenwald, New Jersey. Law enforcement sources tell Fox 29 they were led to the vehicle by a relative of Williams. Officials say surveillance video appeared to show Malaysia's body being moved from the home on North Simpson Street on October 22nd. So far, investigators have not announced any additional arrests or charges. This couple brought a signed poster and other items to the growing memorial today. How did this happen? And, um... You know, and they got to stop this. You got to do better. We got to do better. Because the kids, you know, it's precious to us in this world and we got to protect them. And as the memorial continues to grow here on North Simpson Street, officials are still not saying whether or not there will be any additional arrests or charges in this case. Reporting in West Philadelphia, I'm Kelly Rule, Fox 29 News.