A five-year-old South Carolina girl is missing after her mom was found dead in their home on Thanksgiving, according to the New York Post.
Authorities discovered the body of 46-year-old Crystal Jumper during a welfare check on Thursday, November 24. She was already in an advanced stage of decomposition when found. When police checked her body, a gunshot wound was seen.
Crystal's daughter, Aspen Jeter, was nowhere to be found in the Orangeburg County home when the check was conducted. According to Jumper's family, they had not heard from the mother in weeks.
Pauley Jumper concerned about Aspen as she has a rare disability
Crystal's brother, Pauley Jumper, is concerned about her missing niece. He said that Aspen has disabilities that make it difficult for her to walk and communicate. He told WIS-TV that she is not able to walk and she can't talk. He urged everybody to pray that they get her home.
Crystal was found dead in her home on Louise Drive. Pauley said he had not heard from Crystal since November 1, something he said was not out of the ordinary for his sister. He said that Crystal was a private person, and she kept to herself.
Pauley added that the family is unable to process the death of Crystal until they know her daughter Aspen has been found and she is safely returned home. He said that it is imperative that Aspen come back soon due to a rare disability.
Aspen's dad is also missing, is Antar Jeter a suspect?
Steph Ball-Mitchell, a friend of the slain mom, recalled Crystal sending her photos and videos of young Aspen over the years. Ball-Mitchell told WLTX that she is just such a beautiful child and it was really special to watch Aspen grow and change. Crystal's friend also stressed the importance of getting the young child the necessary help whenever she is found.
Ball-Mitchell said that she definitely needs medical care, so they want to get her picture out there. She pleaded with the public for help, saying that if anyone has seen her, they definitely want people to call and let them know where they have seen her.
Crystal's family said that Aspen's dad, Antar Jeter, is also missing. Authorities have not said whether the dad is considered a suspect in connection with Crystal's murder and Aspen's disappearance. An incident report revealed that Antar was living with both Crystal and Aspen.
An autopsy for Crystal is scheduled for later this week. The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office issued a statement, asking anyone with information on Crystal's death or Aspen's whereabouts to please come forward.
According to officials, they do not have to give their name when providing information. They can contact crime stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or the sheriff's department directly.
