Landfill search for missing Jhessye Shockley is over

The search for a missing Glendale girl at the
Butterfield Station Landfill south of Phoenix has come to an
end.

After months of searching, Glendale Police said Wednesday they were unable to find evidence directly connected to the death of Jhessye Shockley, 5.

The girl’s mother, Jerice Hunter, has been the focus of investigation. She was arrested in November on suspicion of child abuse and was later released from jail. The charge was dropped but prosecutors said they would investigate further.

More than 9,500 tons of garbage were searched at the landfill. The search began Feb. 6, and included assistance from federal agencies and more than 280 volunteers.

Police believe the child’s body was disposed of days before Hunter reported her missing Oct. 11.

It’s unclear whether authorities want to pursue a murder case without the
girl’s body.