Couple Accused of Killing 9-Year-Old Daughter

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A New Jersey couple, India L. Miller, 27, and her partner, Sean D. Scott, 45, have been charged with murdering Miller’s nine-year-old daughter, Maya Thomas, as authorities investigate allegations of physical and sexual abuse.

The couple reportedly called 911 around 1:10 a.m., claiming Maya had been hit by a car while walking the family dog in Paulsboro, New Jersey. However, officers found her unresponsive inside their home with facial injuries and bruises. Investigators later determined she had not been hit by a vehicle.

Maya was rushed to Cooper Hospital, where she died at about 6:45 p.m. An autopsy reportedly revealed broken ribs, a ruptured colon, abrasions on her inner thigh and severe swelling around her eyes. Some injuries were healing, suggesting prolonged abuse.

Court documents stated that Maya’s four-year-old sibling told investigators Scott had hit her in the face. Authorities also reportedly found suspected blood in the family’s bathroom, bloodied children’s clothing and cleaning supplies.

New Jersey’s child protection agency confirmed it was investigating allegations of physical and sexual abuse.

Maya’s maternal grandmother, Lynn Miller, claimed the girl was homeschooled because her mother and stepfather did not want anyone to see her bruises.

She said she raised Maya in Las Vegas from 18 months old until she was seven, before the girl moved to New Jersey. The grandmother added that her daughter cut off contact about two years ago.

Miller and Scott are being held at Salem County Jail, while Maya’s younger sibling is in child protection custody.