Man Convicted of Na’Ziyah Harris Murder Found Dead in Prison

Jarvis Butts, 43, was found dead in a Michigan prison on March 26. The Michigan Department of Corrections confirmed his death Thursday.

Butts had pleaded guilty in multiple cases earlier this year. The pleas included a count tied to the killing of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris.

Prison death and official response

State officials reported the death as a suicide. Butts was housed at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson County.

His earliest release date had been set for September 26, 2059. MDOC officials said they are handling the matter according to standard procedures.

Convictions and sentencing

Butts entered guilty pleas on February 12, 2026, in six separate cases. Sentencing occurred on March 12, 2026.

• He received 35 to 60 years for second-degree murder.
• He was sentenced to 10 to 15 years for five sexual assault convictions. These terms were to run concurrently.

Some additional charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The convictions covered crimes from separate investigations.

Charges by case

• Case 1: Second-degree criminal sexual conduct — 10 to 15 years.
• Case 2: Second-degree criminal sexual conduct — 10 to 15 years.
• Case 3: Second-degree murder — 35 to 60 years.
• Case 4: Second-degree criminal sexual conduct — 10 to 15 years.
• Case 5: Third-degree criminal sexual conduct — 10 to 15 years.
• Case 6: Second-degree criminal sexual conduct — 10 to 15 years.

Case background and evidence

Butts faced charges filed in 2025 tied to Harris’ disappearance and death. He also faced accusations in a sexual assault case involving an 8-year-old relative and another young girl.

Na’Ziyah Harris was a 13-year-old student at J. E. Clark Preparatory Academy. She went missing in January 2024, and her body has not been recovered.

A source told local media that Butts admitted dumping Harris’ body in the Rouge River near 7 Mile and Berg. Police initially searched that area after reports surfaced.

Officers reported finding an inside-out pink jumpsuit, a black jacket and a red-and-black shoe near the 7 Mile and Berg intersection. A U.S. Border Patrol officer testified the items appeared recently placed, with no discoloration or animal disturbance.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments. Authorities continue standard investigative steps after the reported prison death of the man convicted of Na’Ziyah Harris’ murder.