Jarvis Butts pleads guilty to murder of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris, faces up to 60 years
Jarvis Butts pleads guilty in Detroit court. Image Source: CBS News
A Detroit man accused of killing 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris and sexually assaulting multiple children has pleaded guilty, bringing a painful chapter closer to resolution for the victim’s family.
Jarvis Butts, 43, entered a guilty plea Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court to second-degree murder in connection with Harris’s 2024 death. Under a sentencing agreement, he faces 35 to 60 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving five young girls.
Na’Ziyah’s body has not been recovered, more than two years after she disappeared.
Charges and Sentencing Details
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed original charges of first-degree murder, child sexually abusive commercial activity, and two additional sexual assault counts tied specifically to Na’Ziyah.
However, Butts admitted guilt to:
- Second-degree murder (35–60 years)
- Four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (10–15 years each)
- One count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct (10–15 years)
The sentences will run concurrently. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 12.
The convictions involve five girls aged 4, 7, 8, 8 or 9, and 13, according to court records.
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Timeline: What Happened to Na’Ziyah Harris?
Na’Ziyah, a seventh-grade student at J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy, was last seen on January 9, 2024, after getting off her school bus near Cornwell Street and Three Mile Drive on Detroit’s east side.
Prosecutors allege Butts developed an inappropriate relationship with the teenager over several months. Court testimony revealed the two began texting in March 2023. Messages presented during preliminary hearings included statements from Butts such as “stop messing with people and just be mine.”
Authorities testified that Butts searched online for abortion medication, herbal abortion remedies, and antifreeze toxicity weeks before Harris disappeared.
Investigators tracked his cellphone data to several key locations, including his auto shop on Conner Street, Ypsilanti, and later near 7 Mile and Berg Road, where clothing items connected to Harris were found.
DNA evidence linked both Harris and Butts to a black hoodie recovered during the search. Blood was also detected on clothing items found in the area.
Prosecutors contend Harris became pregnant after being assaulted and that Butts killed her during what was described in court as an attempted “do-it-yourself abortion.”
Family’s Anguish and Systemic Failures
For more than two years, Harris’s family pleaded for answers. Relatives said they had previously contacted Child Protective Services expressing concerns about inappropriate behavior but claimed no effective action was taken.
“So many systems failed Na’Ziyah,” her great-aunt said publicly in 2024.
During earlier hearings, a judge described Butts as a “monster,” citing the disturbing testimony and evidence presented in court.
The case has sparked broader conversations about child protection oversight and accountability in Detroit.
Prior Criminal History Raises Questions
Before Na’Ziyah’s disappearance, Butts had served seven years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to having sex with a child.
In 2025, additional cases surfaced involving allegations of sexual misconduct dating back more than a decade. Prosecutors ultimately consolidated multiple cases leading to Thursday’s guilty plea.
What Happens Next?
Butts will return to court on March 12 for formal sentencing. While the plea brings a measure of legal closure, the absence of Na’Ziyah’s body continues to weigh heavily on her family.
Authorities have not indicated whether further searches are planned.
FAQ
1. Who is Jarvis Butts?
Jarvis Butts is a 43-year-old Detroit man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris and multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving five girls.
2. What happened to Na’Ziyah Harris?
Na’Ziyah Harris disappeared on January 9, 2024, after getting off her school bus in Detroit. Prosecutors allege she was killed by Butts. Her body has not been recovered.
3. Did Jarvis Butts plead guilty?
Yes. On February 12, 2026, Butts pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and five counts of criminal sexual conduct as part of a plea agreement.
4. What sentence is Jarvis Butts facing?
He faces 35 to 60 years in prison for second-degree murder, along with concurrent 10–15 year sentences for sexual assault charges.
5. Was Na’Ziyah Harris ever found?
No. As of the latest court proceedings, her body has not been located.
6. What evidence linked Butts to the crime?
Investigators cited cellphone location data, text messages, online searches related to abortion methods, and DNA evidence found on clothing items recovered near 7 Mile and Berg Road.
7. When is the sentencing date?
Jarvis Butts is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12 in Wayne County Circuit Court.
8. Did Jarvis Butts have prior convictions?
Yes. He previously served seven years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to a child sex offense.