Family of Miya Rudd plans a day of remembrance

DAVIESS COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) — The family of a missing Ohio County baby is speaking out for the first time and announced plans for a day of remembrance.

“I am mad at a lot of people, but I have God in my heart so I can forgive them. But nothing changes; we can’t bring her back,” says Alexis Sinnett.

Sinnett is still trying to process the presumed death of her 8-month-old niece, Miya Rudd, as she takes care of the baby’s siblings.

“She was a happy baby… she did not deserve this,” Sinnett says.

Rudd was reported missing last month after a welfare check. Sinnett says she was worried something bad happened to her niece and called CPS and law enforcement.

“It wasn’t easy, my sister hated me. But she thanks me and forgives me for what I have done because I saved her and her kid’s lives. I don’t regret anything,” Sinnett says.

Police arrested Miya Rudd’s parents and two others, and searched the Rudd’s Reynolds Station home. Police say they found a duffle bag with human remains, believed to be those of baby Miya.

“I don’t sleep, I don’t eat. It’s a nightmare. I relive that phone call every day, hoping that it would have been something different. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about it,” says Sinnett and her family.

Although officials have not positively identified the remains, Sinnett says she is certain it is her niece.

“Not knowing hurts me. It’s eating me. It is,” she says.

Rudd’s siblings were also removed from the home and is currently living with Sinnett and her family. She says with the community’s help, they are able to give the kids the love and support they need.

“We didn’t have diapers and we didn’t have kid toys, wipes, high chairs, or strollers. The old one is in therapy and the youngest ones are too young to understand. They didn’t just lose their sister, they lost their parents,” Sinnett says.

The visitation for Miya Rudd will be at 4 pm on Thursday, July 25th at Pleasent Valley Community Church in Owensboro. Services begin at 6 pm, followed by a candlelight service.

“I will forever be your voice. We all love you and will never forget you,” Sinnett says.

The Ohio County Coroner told Eyewitness News an official identification of the remains has not been made. He says he is still waiting on autopsy results.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).