Shaniya Davis found dead

The body believed to be Shaniya Davis was found today on Walker Road, off of N.C. 87. The missing 5 year-old has been the subject of a nationwide search. She was last seen on surveillance video with a man, Mario Andrette McNeill as he carried her into a Comfort Suites hotel the day of her kidnapping. Her body was found approximately 7 miles from the hotel. The cause of death has not yet been released.

(click here to see a photo slideshow of the Shaniya Davis case)

Shaniya Davis’ mother was in court today. She faces charges of child abuse including prostitution, filing a false police report, and human trafficking. Authorities allege that Shaniya Davis’ mother, Antoinette Davis sold her daughter to Mario Andrette McNeil. McNeill is reported to be the ex-boyfriend of Antoinette’s sister. After surveillance video showed Andrette McNeil carrying Shaniya Davis into a hotel, he turned himself in to authorities. He has been charged with first degree kidnapping. He is expected to plead not guilty to the charges.

Antoinette Davis stood before a judge today and was told that she is facing up to 40 years in prison. Currently, her bail is set at $51,000. The mother stood before the judge showing very little emotion, answering his questions in a quiet tone. She did not appear visibly upset, nor did she break down and show any tears in court. Authorities state that neither Shaniya’s mother nor Mario McNeill actively participated in searching for Shaniya since her disappearance on November 10, 2009. A spokesperson for the Fayetteville Police Department referred to Mario McNeill as being extremely uncooperative.

Police have kept many details quiet and haven’t released information such as cause of death, how Shaniya was found and whether Mario McNeill or Antoinette Davis will face additional charges. Currently, an autopsy is being performed and evidence is being gathered.

Shaniya Davis’ father, Bradley Lockhart appeared on CBS’ Early Show this morning pleading for his daughter’s return. He stated, “Drop her off at Wal-Mart, anywhere, I don’t care – just so somebody can find her and bring her back to the people that love her.” The tragic news regarding Shaniya Davis’ body being found was announced several hours after Bradley Lockhart’s plea.

Photos: Shaniya Davis

Comfort Suites Hotel the last place Shaniya Davis was seen alive

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Location where precious little Shaniya Davis’ body was found
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