Slain NC girl's aunt says mother was neglectful
By ALYSIA PATTERSON, Associated Press
Nov 17, 2009 4:31 PM CST
Crystal Godfrey lights candles during a vigil for 5-year-old Shaniya Nicole Davis whose body was found near Sanford, N.C. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. Authorities acted on a tip Sunday and searched a wide area in south-central North Carolina trying to find the 5-year-old girl reported missing by her mother,...   (Associated Press)

The aunt of a 5-year-old girl whose body was found off a rural North Carolina road says she had a hard time letting the girl live for a while at her mother's house.

Carey Lockhart-Davis said Tuesday that the mother, 25-year-old Antoinette Davis, neglected her children. Lockart-Davis is the sister of the girl's father, Bradley Lockhart, and helped raise her. The girl went to stay with her mother a month ago.

Authorities found the body of Shaniya Davis on Monday, though they have declined to say how they died.

Antoinette Davis has been charged with human trafficking and felony child abuse. Her sister has said she doesn't believe the charges.

Another man has been charged with her kidnapping. Police say additional charges could be filed soon.

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