Sumter Police Chief says based on forensic evidence Nevaeh Adams is deceased

Neveah’s father taken on her fifth birthday/Provided

Neveah's father taken on her fifth birthday/Provided

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO) – Sumter Police held a news conference Monday afternoon about a case that has rocked the state.

Nevaeh Adams has been missing since the body of her mother Sharee Bradley, 28, was found in their Lantana apartment on August 5.

Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark said based on forensic information they believe Adams is deceased and both were stabbed to death.

The man accused in Sharee’s death, 28-year-old Daunte Johnson remains behind bars after being denied bond.

His charges were upgraded to two counts of murder.

Chief Roark said Johnson admitted to killing both the mother and daughter and dumped Nevaeh’s body in a nearby dumpster.

In the search for Nevaeh, Roark said they’ve gone through tons of trash in both Sumter and Richland County.

Bradley was laid to rest on August 17 at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.

Law enforcement, Adams’ family and community members have been searching for the 5-year-old for weeks.

An attorney for the family of Sharee and Bradley said the family “continues to hold out hope.”