SYRACUSE, NY — A local woman has been arrested on allegations of murdering her 5-year-old daughter and concealing the body in a wooded area, an incident that has shocked the community and sparked a deep dive into the suspect’s online activity. The case against Latasha Mott, 30, hinges partially on her internet searches, which investigators suggest point to premeditation.
Mott faces charges of murder and hiding a corpse, stemming from the January 6 events when she allegedly used a belt to fatally assault her daughter, Nefertiti Harris. After the alleged incident, Mott is accused of hiding Nefertiti’s body in a nearby field, an action she possibly forethought, as indicated by her troubling internet searches found during the investigation.
Authorities reported that not until the end of March did the family begin to question Nefertiti’s disappearance. Her remains were eventually found on March 26. Furthermore, Mott’s boyfriend, Corrice Parks, 28, has also been implicated in the case, facing charges of assisting Mott in concealing Nefertiti’s body.
In revealing court proceedings in Onondaga County, detectives testified to discovering searches on Mott’s phone such as “Why do killers hide kids’ bodies?” and “Do bodies smell in the winter?” These searches are now center stage in the trial’s arguments.
The defense has challenged the admissibility of these internet searches as evidence, arguing they were obtained during a period where Mott might have been interrogated without proper representation. The detectives defended their approach, underscoring that early in the investigation there remained hope that Nefertiti could be alive, illustrating the complexities in the approach to such sensitive cases.
The case has drawn considerable media attention as it approaches the next hearing on April 5. Expected to be discussed are statements by Parks to the police that could provide further depth to the narrative of the days following Nefertiti’s disappearance.
Public interest remains high as this distressing case continues to unfold, with local authorities providing updates and the community seeking closure and justice for young Nefertiti. The sheriff’s office, dedicated to thorough and transparent communication on the case, notes the importance of public awareness and community support in such tragic situations.