(CBS DETROIT) – The Detroit Man charged with the murder of missing teenager Na’Ziyah Harris was back in the courtroom Friday when testimony began.
Harris, 13, disappeared in January. Her body was never found, but evidence shows she was murdered, and Jarvis Butts is the man accused of her murder.
Harris was the niece of Butts’ girlfriend. Phone records show that both Harris and Butts had an inappropriate sexual relationship.
In November 2023, Butts reportedly discovered that Harris was pregnant. She soon disappeared in January 2024 after allegedly meeting Butts.
On Friday, Butts’ friend and business partner Cordell Wright was the first to take the stand to testify in the case.
CBS Detroit
Wright says he and Butts owned an auto shop together in Detroit. On January 9, Wright claims Harris visited Butts at the store, something she had done several times before with Butt’s daughter.
Wright says he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior between the two during her visit. It wasn’t until a few weeks later, when Wright was questioned by police, that he discovered Harris’ name and that she was missing.
Detroit police
Harris’ cousin, Roxy, is still processing what she heard in court.
“It’s a lot to take in, but my family… this is the beginning process of all of this, and we ultimately want you to know what justice is for Na’Ziyah, but also justice for every other victim that he did this for has done. she said.
Testimony will resume on January 6, 2025, and a further 21 witnesses are expected to take the stand.
