WICHITA, Kan. – The mother of a 2-year-old girl whose body was found in north Wichita earlier this week is calling for justice after her child’s babysitter was released from jail.
“I was shocked. I was hurt,” said Jhornee Bland’s mother, Jackqailine Hardin. “I felt like I was betrayed. I felt everything above the sun right now.”
Wichita police say no charges are being filed at this time in the death of 2-year-old Jhornee Bland.
An autopsy of the child’s body has found there was no trauma to Jhornee that would have caused her death. Police, however, would not identify the cause of death.
As a result, Tyerria Miles, who was identified by family members as a friend and babysitter, has been released from jail.
Now, Hardin said her main focus is on getting justice for her child.
Tyerria Miles (Courtesy: Facebook)
Police say Miles was released “without prejudice.” That means, while the charges against her are not being dropped, she will not be kept in jail at this time.
“That’s all we want, justice. She didn’t deserve to be back there.”
“No charges will be filed in the case until all of the testing is completed,” said Wichita Police Deputy Chief Hassan Ramzah. “It’s important for us to do a thorough investigation.”
Part of that investigation detectives will be looking at include the events in the child’s life in the days leading up to her death. That investigation will start with looking at last Wednesday, May 4th, when police say 25-year-old Tyerria Miles picked the toddler up from her mother.
“On Saturday, May 7th, the friend had a birthday party for another child at a local motel where several attended the party, including Jhornee, spent the night,” said Ramzah.
Sometime between 1 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, May 8th, Jhornee died.
“And the friend places Jhornee’s body inside of her vehicle,” Ramzah said. “The friend removed Jhornee’s body from her vehicle, at approximately 10 p.m. prior to picking up Jhornee’s mother.”
Miles was arrested on Monday on suspicion of aggravated child endangerment and possession of stolen property.
Police also say on Monday, May 9th Miles led investigators to a field in the 1900 block of N. Hydraulic where Jhornee’s body was found.
The question then is, why was Miles released?
“The autopsy showed no trauma to the body of the child. and no trauma causing the death of the child. It is certainly at this point completely unclear what crime might have been committed by whom,” said Dan Monnat, an attorney and legal analyst.
The District Attorney’s Office told KSN Thursday it will not keep someone behind bars until it has facts to support filing a specific charge.
Meanwhile, police say the investigation into Jhornee’s death is ongoing.
“I just wish I could have my baby back,” said Hardin. “That’s all I want is her back.”
KSNW TV – By Brittany Glas