Jarvis Butts, convicted of murdering Na’Ziyah Harris in Detroit, died Thursday at the Charles Eger Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) confirmed the inmate’s cause of death in its latest update. The 43-year-old previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Harris, who was 13 at the time. He was also sentenced to 35 to 60 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child.
Jarvis Butts cause of death update
MDOC said Butts’ death is currently being reported as a suicide. Authorities further added that staff attempted to provide life-saving measures to the convicted man who was murdered on Thursday morning. At around 6:45 a.m. local time, Michigan State Police were called to the scene.
Sentencing and Conviction
Earlier this month, Butts was sentenced to 35 to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. In addition, he was sentenced to multiple prison terms ranging from 10 to 15 years for sexual assault charges involving children.
Jarvis Butts Charges
Second Degree Murder (Ages 35-60)
second degree sexual conduct offense
Third-degree sexual offense involving a minor
three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child under 13
Several charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement reached shortly before trial.
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Nazia Harris case details
Nazia Harris was last seen in January 2024, when she got off a bus in Detroit. Prosecutors said evidence showed she met Butts the day she disappeared.
Authorities said Butts had been grooming Harris since 2022 and was close to her family. Harris was pregnant at the time of her death, and prosecutors said Butts was believed to be the father.
Investigators also pointed to disturbing online searches related to Butts, including inquiries about abortion, abortion pills and antifreeze before Harris’ death.
Her body was never found.
Plea Agreement and Key Conditions
As part of the plea agreement, Butts was asked to provide information about the location of Harris’ body in order to give the family closure.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy said: “One of the most important aspects of the plea agreement is to provide Nazia’s family with some closure. Disclosure of the location of her body is critical.”
Other allegations of abuse
After Butts was arrested in the Harris case, he was charged with multiple sex crimes involving five other girls aged between 4 and 13 years old. Prosecutors said the crimes occurred before Harris disappeared.
He also has previous convictions for sex offenses involving children.
Jarvis Butts case timeline
Butts was originally charged in 2024 and later accepted a plea deal weeks before his scheduled trial. The agreement resolves the murder case and additional sexual assault charges.
Butts has now died, and questions remain about whether more details about the case, particularly the location of Harris’ body, will emerge.
