Miya Rudd: Parents, grandfather among those indicted in connection to baby’s death

OHIO COUNTY, Ky. (WFIE/Gray News) - An Ohio County grand jury has indicted the parents and grandfather of Miya Rudd, a baby who was found dead after being reported missing following a welfare check, as well as another man on Thursday.

Court officials confirm Miya’s parents Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd, along with her grandfather Ricky Smith and Brodie Payne were each indicted.

Tucker, Rudd, Smith and Payne were indicted on several charges that include criminal abuse of a child, abuse of a corpse and failure to report a death.

Miya first went missing about two weeks ago before Kentucky State Police said her remains were finally discovered inside the family’s home in Reynold Station, Kentucky, last Friday.

Troopers say the home was in deplorable condition with drugs in plain view.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Kentucky State Police are continuing their investigation.

“It’s important that we hold responsible whoever caused the death of that child,” Beshear said. “Anytime there’s a tragedy, you want to find something you can learn from the tragedy. You want to find something in honor of that lost individual.”

Tucker, Rudd, Smith, and Payne stood before a judge on Monday with their attorneys present.

A preliminary hearing was held for the charges brought against them.

Tucker, Rudd, Smith, and Payne pleaded not guilty.

Miya’s body has been sent to Louisville, Kentucky, for an autopsy where the results are currently pending.

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