By: Richard L. Smith
A Gloucester County mother and stepfather are facing murder charges following the death of a 9-year-old girl whose injuries raised serious questions about the circumstances initially reported to authorities.
According to information released by Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns, India Miller, 27, and Sean D. Scott, 45, both of Paulsboro, have been charged with murder and endangering the welfare of a minor in connection with the girl’s death.
Authorities said the investigation began around 1:10 a.m. on October 13, 2026, when the couple contacted 911 to report that the girl was not breathing.
Investigators said Scott initially claimed the girl had been outside walking the family dog when she may have been struck by a passing vehicle.
Miller reportedly told detectives she heard a loud noise resembling screeching tires before Scott went outside and discovered the girl near a shed on their property.
However, authorities said evidence collected during the investigation raised significant concerns about the couple’s account.
The girl was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel discovered injuries that included trauma to her face, extensive bruising throughout her body, and other physical injuries that did not appear consistent with a motor vehicle collision.
Investigators subsequently examined surveillance footage from nearby public buildings but found no evidence of vehicles traveling through the area during the period when the couple claimed the incident occurred.
Additional information emerged when detectives interviewed the victim’s 4-year-old sibling.
According to court documents, the younger minor told investigators that their father had struck the 9-year-old in her eyes and face.
During the investigation, authorities also discovered wet children’s clothing containing suspected blood inside an upstairs bathroom bathtub.
Investigators reported finding additional suspected blood on surrounding bathroom tiles, a Swiffer WetJet, and other cleaning materials.
The findings became part of the investigation that resulted in murder and endangering charges against both adults.