Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced that they have discovered the body of an infant that is believed to be 8-month-old Miya Tucker Rudd, who was last seen by her family in May. The decomposed body was found hidden inside the family’s home in a concealed manner on Friday, June 14th. After the authorities process the scene, the baby will be taken to the Kentucky Medical Examiners Office in Louisville by the Ohio County Coroner’s Office. The investigation is currently ongoing and involves KSP, the Ohio County Coroner’s Office, and the Kentucky Medical Examiners Office.
Miya Tucker Rudd was first reported missing by the Kentucky State Police after a search warrant and welfare check conducted at the family’s home did not locate the infant. The child had not been seen by other family members since May. Miya was last believed to be in the care of her parents, 29-year-old Tesla Tucker and 30-year-old Cage C. Rudd. However, during a welfare check, the baby could not be located. The family resides in Reynolds Station, Kentucky, which is approximately 90 miles southwest of Louisville.
The welfare check was prompted after Miya’s mother, Tesla Tucker, and father, Cage C. Rudd, were arrested at a motel in Owensboro. The parents were found in possession of a significant amount of drugs, including fentanyl. They were charged with various offenses such as first-degree trafficking in controlled substances, child abuse, abandonment of a minor, and possession of paraphernalia.
Miya’s grandfather, Ricky Smith, who lived with the baby and her parents, allegedly used the home for drug trafficking. Various drugs were discovered during a search of the residence, leading to charges of drug crimes, child abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child against him. Miya’s grandmother, Billie J. Smith, was arrested and charged with second-degree domestic violence assault after the police found an outstanding warrant from Daviess County.
During a police search of Smith’s residence, Timothy Roach was seen throwing unprescribed Suboxone under his vehicle. As a result, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a prescription controlled substance not in a proper container.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact them at 270-826-3312. The investigation into this tragic incident continues as the community mourns the loss of baby Miya Tucker Rudd.