MIAMI-DADE, FLA. — A 3-year-old girl found wandering alone with bloodstained clothes led deputies to the horrific discovery of her mother’s body inside a car, authorities said Sunday.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), deputies were flagged down around 4 p.m. Saturday by a grandmother who said her granddaughter was found roaming the residential complex near Southwest 144th Street and Southwest 134th Avenue. The child had what appeared to be dried blood on her face and clothing, officials said.
Key Points
- Deputies discovered a woman dead from apparent stab wounds inside a vehicle after finding her daughter wandering alone.
- A 29-year-old man, Joy Chandra Nath, was arrested and charged in connection with the murder.
- The investigation began after a neighbor found the child in a parking lot and escorted her to her grandmother.
Deputies conducted an area search to locate the child’s mother but did not find her at home. Moments later, authorities discovered the woman unresponsive inside her vehicle, suffering from apparent stab wounds, according to MDSO. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Through investigative efforts, homicide detectives identified 29-year-old Joy Chandra Nath as the suspect. He was located and arrested without incident, authorities said.
Suspect identified and taken into custody
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed Nath has been charged accordingly in connection with the woman’s death. Further details about the charges or possible motives were not immediately released by officials.
The victim’s identity has not been made public pending notification of next of kin, according to law enforcement sources. Authorities have not said whether Nath and the victim knew each other.
The investigation remains active, and police have not disclosed if the child witnessed any part of the incident.
Investigation continues as community reacts
The chilling discovery has shaken residents of the Southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood. Officials said deputies are providing support services for the young girl as the case progresses.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.