Jarvis Butts Sentenced for Murder and Sexual Assault
Jarvis Butts was sentenced to 35 to 60 years in prison for the murder of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris, as well as five concurrent sentences of 10 to 15 years for sexually assaulting five girls. The sentencing took place on March 12, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan, marking a significant moment in a case that has drawn considerable public attention.
Butts, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and multiple counts of sexual assault, was implicated in Harris’s disappearance after she was last seen getting off a bus in January 2024. Tragically, Harris was pregnant at the time of her murder, and Butts was allegedly the father of the unborn child. Despite extensive searches, Harris’s body has never been found, leaving her family and community in anguish.
During the sentencing hearing, the courtroom was filled with emotion as victims of Butts’ sexual abuse provided impact statements. One victim expressed, “You did very hurtful things to me. I live with the trouble you caused me.” The atmosphere was charged, with chaos erupting at times, leading to multiple individuals being escorted out of the courtroom.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated, “One of the most important aspects of the plea agreement was giving Na’Ziyah’s family some semblance of closure.” This sentiment was echoed by Harris’s mother, Marketta Harris, who lamented, “Justice will never be served,” reflecting the deep pain and unresolved grief surrounding the case.
Butts has a prior conviction for a sex crime against a child, which raises serious concerns about his history and the safety of the community. Upon his release, he will be required to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to protect potential future victims.
In the lead-up to the sentencing, it was revealed that Butts had allegedly groomed Na’Ziyah Harris starting in 2022, a disturbing detail that highlights the predatory behavior he exhibited. The ages of the girls he assaulted ranged from 4 to 13, further emphasizing the severity of his actions and the impact on multiple families.
Butts will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 35 years in prison. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these events, observers are left to contemplate the long-term effects on the victims and their families, as well as the broader implications for public safety. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further legal actions or appeals that Butts may pursue in the future.