A tragic, disturbing discovery
A New Jersey couple is facing serious charges after their 9-year-old daughter, Maya Thomas, was killed. Her mother, 27-year-old India L. Miller, and stepfather, 45-year-old Sean D. Scott, originally told 911 at 1:10 a.m. that Maya had been struck by a car while walking the family dog in Paulsboro.
When police arrived, they found Maya unresponsive inside the house with visible facial trauma and bruising. Medical experts and investigators quickly determined that her injuries were inconsistent with being hit by a vehicle. Maya was transported to Cooper Hospital, where she tragically died later that day.
The investigation
Following her death, hospital staff identified injuries to her vaginal area, and an autopsy revealed a horrific pattern of abuse, including broken ribs, a ruptured colon, and swelling around her eyes. Some of these injuries appeared to be in the process of healing, suggesting a long-term pattern of cruelty.
During the investigation, police found bloody clothing and blood on cleaning supplies in the home's bathroom. A 4-year-old sibling stated that Scott had struck the girl. Maya’s maternal grandmother, Lynn Miller, shared that the couple had been homeschooling Maya, a move she believes was intended to hide the bruises from the outside world. The grandmother, who raised Maya until she was 7, described her as a "happy, carefree girl" before she moved to New Jersey.
The legal fallout
Miller and Scott are currently being held in Salem County jail and face charges including murder, child abuse, and hindering prosecution. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency is actively investigating both physical and sexual abuse claims. Maya’s younger sibling is currently in state care.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangerous reality of child abuse cases where isolation is used as a tool for harm. For the community, it’s a devastating reminder of the importance of child welfare interventions when families cut off access to support systems or schools.
