Four charged after Kentucky State Police find remains of missing infant in relatives' residence

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Kentucky State Police announced Friday night that four individuals are facing additional criminal charges after the remains of a missing infant were found in an Ohio County residence, according to WBKO, a local ABC News station.

The announcement followed the recent discovery of the remains of Miya Tucker Rudd, an 8-month-old baby, missing since May. Police found the remains of the infant on Friday, June 14, at the family home in Reynolds Station, about 90 miles southwest of Louisville.

According to authorities, the infant’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Miya's case came to public attention in early June, when Kentucky State Police officially declared her missing following a welfare check at the family's residence. During this search, it was discovered that the baby had not been seen by other family members since May, causing immediate alarm.

The situation became even more complicated when Miya's mother, Tesla Tucker, 29, and her father, Cage C. Rudd, 30, were arrested at a motel in Owensboro.

Both were allegedly found in possession of a large amount of drugs, including fentanyl, and face multiple charges, including trafficking in controlled substances, child abuse and racketeering.

The baby’s grandfather, Ricky Smith, was also arrested on charges related to drug trafficking and child abuse.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the family home was being used as a base for illicit activities. Miya's grandmother, Billie J. Smith, was arrested shortly after on charges of domestic violence assault.

Since her birth in October, the infant’s umbilical cord tested positive for methamphetamine, an indication of the family's troubled situation. She had three older brothers who were removed from the home due to similar drug-related problems.

The State Cabinet for Health and Family Services had planned to also remove the infant before she was reported missing.

The search culminated on Friday, June 14, when officers found the infant’s remains hidden inside the family home around 1:15 p.m. The body was taken to the Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office in Louisville for an autopsy. The investigation remains ongoing, coordinated by KSP along with the Ohio County Coroner's Office and the Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office.

During the search of the Smith home, officers also arrested Timothy Roach, 37, who attempted to dispose of Suboxone without a prescription.

Roach was charged with possession of a controlled substance and other related violations.