Jarvis Butts, Convicted of Na’Ziyah Harris Murder, Found Dead in Prison

Why this matters: The death of Jarvis Butts brings a somber close to a case that deeply impacted the Detroit community. While it provides a degree of closure, the fact that Na'Ziyah Harris's body has never been found leaves a lasting wound for her family and loved ones.

Jarvis Butts's death in prison marks the end of a disturbing chapter in Detroit's history. Butts was charged with numerous felonies in 2025 related to Harris's disappearance and murder, as well as separate sexual assault cases. The search history of Butts revealed disturbing searches for abortions, abortion pills, and even drinking red anti-freeze before Harris’s death, further highlighting the heinous nature of his crimes.

Butts's guilty pleas in February 2026 covered a range of charges across six different cases: second-degree murder and multiple counts of second-degree and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. As part of the plea agreement, additional charges were dropped.

Despite the guilty pleas and sentencing, the absence of Na'Ziyah Harris's body remains a painful reality. Butts was required to provide a statement about the location of her body as part of his plea, but her remains have yet to be recovered.

The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting Butts's death as a suicide, pending further investigation by Michigan State Police.

Jarvis Butts was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of Na’Ziyah Harris and multiple counts of second and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

He was incarcerated at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, Michigan.

No, Na’Ziyah Harris’s body has not been found, despite Butts admitting to dumping her body in the Rouge River.

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