In a shocking turn of events, the decomposed remains of an 8-month-old infant, believed to be Miya Rudd, were discovered hidden inside her family's home in Ohio County, Kentucky on June 14, 2024. The grim discovery came during a welfare check by the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
Miya had been missing since late April according to family reports. Her last known sighting was at her residence in Reynolds Station.
The KSP began their search for Miya on June 6, 2024, after a welfare check at her home revealed that she had not been seen by other family members for an extended period. During this visit, Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd, Miya's parents, were arrested on drug charges as well as abandonment of a minor. Ricky Smith, Miya's grandfather, was also arrested on similar charges.
On June 9, Billy (Rudd) Smith was taken into custody for unrelated charges. When officers searched her home, they discovered electronics but offered no further information about any possible connection to the search for Miya.
Two other men have been arrested in connection with the case: Timothy Roach and Brodie Payne. Roach was allegedly seen throwing unprescribed suboxone under his vehicle in the driveway of Smith's home, while Payne was living at the Rudd household for the last six months.
The KSP used special equipment and teams of cadaver dogs to search for Miya in the same area where she was last seen. The investigation is ongoing by KSP, Ohio County Coroner's Office, and Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office.
This tragic discovery brings closure to the community as they sought answers about what happened to Miya. The cause of her death will be determined by the medical examiner.