MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department said it has a person in custody after 10-year-old Jada Clay was found dead Thursday night.
According to police documents, that person is being held on suspicion of physical abuse of a child causing death.
Clay was found in a home near 44th and Hampton, where police said she suffered blunt force trauma and died.
MCMEO responding to the apparent homicide of a 10 year old child in the 4700 blk of N 44. @MilwaukeePolice investigating. Autopsy tomorrow.
— Medical Examiner (@mkemedexamine) February 11, 2022
An initial investigation revealed the circumstances prior to her death were related to an argument.
Jada's older brother, Cain Rogers, said his family is grieving and still trying to piece together what happened. He didn't comment further.
Jada Clay attended Samuel Clemens School. Less than a month ago, another Samuel Clemens student, Tiana Huddleston, was also killed.
Her father, Michael Huddleston, has been charged in her death. Tiana died of a gunshot wound; her father claims the gun went off accidentally.
Milwaukee Public Schools released this statement:
“Milwaukee Public Schools joins our Samuel Clemens School community in mourning the loss of Jada Clay. Her energy, active listening, and sweet disposition are just a few of the things that will be missed by her principal, teachers, and fellow classmates. We offer our sincerest condolences to Jada’s family, friends, and everyone who knew her best.”
On Friday, Steven Smith pulled up to Samuel Clemens to pick up his two young boys who attend class there.
The little girls, Jada and Tiana, weren't killed near the school. But as a parent, Smith said he has concerns about violence all over Milwaukee — in the home and on the street.
"Cause out here, it's bad out here. It's getting worser and worser. Ain't nothing changing," said Smith. "It's getting worse. Just tell the kids the truth. So keep them away from this life."
If you have any information regarding Jada Clay's homicide, contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.
