Officials in Kentucky have uncovered human remains aligning with the profile of eight-month-old Miya Rudd, who vanished in April 2024. The grim discovery was made during a welfare check in Reynolds Station, Kentucky, prompting the apprehension of multiple family members.
Allegedly last seen by her family in April, Miya Rudd, also known as Miya Tucker, could not be located during a welfare check conducted by Kentucky State Police on June 6. Miya’s parents, Tesla Tucker, 29, and Cage Rudd, 30, initially said that the child had been taken by child services, a claim which was later proven false.
During the welfare check, authorities uncovered drug paraphernalia, including methamphetamine, in the residence. As stated in an arrest affidavit, Miya’s umbilical cord tested positive for methamphetamine at her birth in October 2023, raising alarm about her potential drug exposure. Following this revelation, Miya’s parents were arrested, alongside her grandfather Ricky Smith, 56, on several charges related to her disappearance.
On June 14, law enforcement officers found the body of an infant hidden within the Rudd home. The Kentucky State Police noted, “The decomposed body was located inside the residence, hidden in a concealed manner.” The remains were transferred to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for further investigation.
On June 17, the suspects faced trial. Along with Miya’s parents and grandfather, another individual, Brodie Payne, 28, who resided at the same address, was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and failure to report a death. All suspects entered automatic “not guilty” pleas during their court appearances.
Describing the troubling conditions within the home, Detective Dalton Mellott of the Kentucky State Police noted the presence of meth residue in a room containing a bassinet and diapers. He also disclosed the discovery of 61 Trazodone pills and unused syringes. Two handguns found in a bedroom and a muzzleloader located in the attic were also revealed during the investigation.
Authorities also arrested Miya’s grandparents, Taletha D. Tucker, 50, and David Tucker, 53, who were responsible for Tesla Tucker’s three other children. These children have since been removed from their care. Ricky Smith’s attorney clarified that the methamphetamine was discovered not in Smith’s dwelling but in the main house. Regardless, the judge found enough probable cause for all charges and referred the case to the Ohio County Grand Jury.
A woman identifying herself as Miya’s aunt has initiated a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the infant’s memorial. The fundraiser states, “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 accumulated over $6,900 in donations.
Kentucky State Police have underscored that the investigation remains active, and further charges may be forthcoming. They have called on anyone with information regarding Miya’s disappearance to step forward.
