Kentucky law enforcement conducting a welfare check in Reynolds Station uncovered human remains of eight-month-old Miya Rudd. Miya had been reported missing since April 2024, and her discovery led to multiple arrests within her family.
Previously known as Miya Tucker, the infant was last seen by her family in April. During a welfare check on June 6, the Kentucky State Police were unable to locate her. Parents Tesla Tucker, 29, and Cage Rudd, 30, originally asserted that their daughter had been taken by child services, a claim found to be untrue.
Drug paraphernalia, including methamphetamine, was found in the home during the welfare check. From an arrest affidavit, it was revealed that Miya’s umbilical cord had tested positive for methamphetamine at her birth in October 2023. This prompted concerns about her drug exposure. Following these findings, Miya’s parents and her grandfather Ricky Smith, 56, were all arrested on various charges related to her disappearance.
A decomposed infant body was discovered inside the Rudd’s home on June 14. The Kentucky State Police reported, “The decomposed body was located inside the residence, hidden in a concealed manner.” The remains were subsequently sent to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for further analysis.
On June 17, the accused stood before a court. Miya’s parents, grandfather, and another resident, Brodie Payne, 28, were all charged with abusing a corpse, tampering with evidence, and failing to report a death. They each entered “not guilty” pleas at their court appearances.
Describing the appalling conditions of the home, Detective Dalton Mellott of the Kentucky State Police noted the presence of meth residue in a room with a bassinet and diapers. The detective also reported finding 61 pills of Trazodone, unused syringes, two handguns in a bedroom, and a muzzleloader in the attic.
Police also arrested Miya’s grandparents, Taletha D. Tucker, 50, and David Tucker, 53, who were responsible for Tesla Tucker’s three other children. Following their arrest, the children were removed from their care.
Ricky Smith’s attorney argued that the methamphetamine was found in the main house and not Smith’s residence. However, the judge found sufficient probable cause for all charges and referred the case to the Ohio County Grand Jury.
A woman claiming to be Miya’s aunt has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the infant’s memorial. The fundraiser’s statement reads, “We are devastated due to this tragedy and need your help in raising enough money to give her the proper burial and memorial she deserves.” The campaign has presently raised over $6900.
The Kentucky State Police have emphasized that the investigation is still in progress, and additional charges might be brought. They have called for anyone with information about Miya’s disappearance to come forward.