Years Of Abuse Preceded NJ Girl's Death, Report Says

PAULSBORO, NJ — Years of abuse and isolation preceded the death of a South Jersey child, according to a report.

Maya Thomas, 9, was identified as the Paulsboro child whose mother and stepfather are charged with her murder, according to NJ.com.

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The girl had been raised by her maternal grandmother, Lynn Miller, from the time she was 18 months until she was 7 in Las Vegas, NJ.com reported.

About two years ago, Thomas's mother, 27-year-old India Miller, moved her to New Jersey to live with Sean D. Scott, 45.

Miller said that once her daughter moved in with Scott, she was cut off from communication, and was unable to regularly speak with the granddaughter she had helped raise.

The girl was not enrolled in school, instead being homeschooled by her mother and stepfather "because they didn't want anybody to see the bruises," Miller told NJ.com.

The girl's mother and stepfather called 911 at about 1 a.m. Oct. 13 reporting that a child wasn't breathing, Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns said.

Scott told 911 that the child was walking the dog and was possibly struck by a vehicle, while Miller said she had heard a loud sound like tires screeching before Scott went outside and found the girl by their shed, Johns said.

Her injuries were not consistent with a vehicle crash, however, and her 4-year-old sibling told investigators that Scott had hit the girl in the face and eyes.

READ MORE: NJ Mom, Stepfather Beat Daughter To Death: Prosecutor

Paulsboro Mayor John Giovannatti shared a video posted to social media condemning the crime, "the likes of which we have never seen in our community."

"Keep the victim in your prayers," he said.