Jarvis Butts, Convicted of Sexually Assaulting and Killing Girl, 13, Is Found Dead in Prison. Suicide Suspected.

Jarvis Butts (DOC photo)

Jarvis Ramon Butts, who was sentenced to up to 60 years in prison two weeks ago for killing and sexually assaulting 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris of Detroit, was found dead Thursday at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center prison in Jackson.

Jenni Riehle, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Corrections, confirmed the death in a statement and said:

"MDOC staff provided life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful," she said. "The death is currently being reported as a suicide."

In February, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and sexual assault involving Na'Ziyah’s, along with the sexual assaults of five females ages 4 to 13. Na'Ziyah was reported missing in January 2024 and was never found. 

His earliest possible release date was Sept. 6, 2059.