OHIO COUNTY, Ky. (TLNA) — Kentucky State Police discovered the decomposed remains of 8-month-old Miya Rudd concealed within a rural Ohio County residence on Friday. The infant had been missing since April, with authorities only alerted to her disappearance in June, sparking a week-long search effort near Owensboro.

Parents and Grandparents Arrested

Miya’s parents, Tesla Tucker, 29, and Cage Rudd, 30, face charges including drug possession, child abuse, and abandoning a minor. They were apprehended during a welfare check at their home, which escalated into a broader investigation involving illegal narcotics. Miya’s paternal grandparents, Billie J. Smith and Ricky Smith, were also arrested, along with her maternal grandparents, Taletha Tucker, 50, and David Tucker, 53, though on unrelated charges from Daviess County.

Impact on the Community

Local reactions reflect shock and dismay, with community members like Angie Johnson expressing disbelief: It’s caught everybody off guard, I think. They’re just devastated because you don’t think things like that happen.

Search Efforts and Investigation

Kentucky State Police, aided by cadaver dogs, combed through multiple locations and heaps of debris in Ohio County in a desperate attempt to locate Miya, emphasizing the challenges posed by delayed reporting. Trooper Corey King of KSP lamented the lack of cooperation: Without any cooperation from the people that should know where this child is, this is what we have to do.

Conclusion: Tragic Discovery in Ohio County

The discovery of Miya Rudd’s body has left Ohio County reeling, underscoring the complexities of rural crime and the devastating impact on local communities. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the community mourns the loss of young Miya and seeks justice for her untimely demise.

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