Body found in duffel bag in Philadelphia ID'd as child missing for more than 4 months

The child's mother and her boyfriend have already been charged with murder in his disappearance.

By6abc Digital Staff WPVI logo
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Small child found dead inside duffel bag in Mantua
Small child found dead inside duffel bag in Mantua

PHILADELPHIA -- A small child found dead inside a duffel bag in Philadelphia earlier this year has been identified.

Police say the body is that of 4-year-old Damari Carter, who had been missing since late last year.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

The discovery was made by city workers on the morning of March 18.

An investigation into Carter's disappearance began on Dec. 30, 2023, after family members said they had not seen him in weeks.

SEE ALSO: Authorities release autopsy report of Suzanne Morphew, the mom who vanished on Mother's Day

Carter's mother, 28-year-old Dominique Bailey, and her boyfriend, 30-year-old Kevin Spencer, have already been charged with murder in his disappearance.

Bailey reportedly told the family that the 4-year-old had been struck and killed by a car, but police found no evidence of a crash.

Several days later, police were seen searching Spencer's house, and officers could be seen carrying out bags of evidence.

Police say Bailey provided information on her involvement in the death of her son on Jan. 5.

Sources earlier told ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI that investigators believe Carter was beaten to death.