Carprice Williams, foster mother charged in Malayshia Allford’s death, is a 5th grade teacher at Lewis C. Cassidy School

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Action News is learning more about the foster mother who has been charged in the death of a 10-year-old West Philadelphia girl in her care.

Carprice Williams, 36, is charged with the “brutal murder” of Malayshia Allford, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

She is listed as Dr. Williams and is a 5th grade teacher at Lewis C. Cassidy School, according to a School District of Philadelphia listing.

Williams’ LinkedIn states that she also previously worked as a special education English and language arts teacher.

Nafeesa Cannon described a happy, celebratory week in the life of Williams, who continued to clock in to work while police say her adopted daughter was not only missing, but dead for days in the trunk of a car.

“She was at work on Friday. She had a pizza party with the kids, she was at trunk or treat,” Cannon recalled. “In the classroom or in front of parents, probably no one would have ever thought in a million years that she was going to murder a child.”

On paper, some say she was an ideal candidate to welcome.

“You’re in a building full of a hundred kids. You’re teaching kids, you’re acting like you have all these feelings and you care about them and all the time you really don’t care,” said Sarah Selby, of West Philadelphia.

Allford had been the subject of an intensive 10-day search after he disappeared from West Philadelphia.

The girl’s body was found 20 miles from her foster home in South Jersey, authorities said Thursday.

A medical examiner determined the 10-year-old died from blunt force trauma. His death was ruled a homicide.

It comes as police have distributed flyers to neighbors with resources and a memorial grows outside the home where the girl was last seen.

“These balloons are just a symbol of love, the outpouring of love that we have for this baby,” one resident said.

WATCH: Memorial expands in West Philly after missing girl dies

What we know about the investigation

The investigation began after Williams allegedly told police that Malayshia had not come home from school and was not answering her phone. After police began investigating, they said there were conflicting accounts from adults connected to the case.

According to Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Toczylowski, investigators believe Malayshia was last seen alive on October 22.

Authorities said surveillance video from Oct. 26 around 1:53 a.m. appears to show a body being removed from a home in the 600 block of North Simpson Street in West Philadelphia.

WATCH FULL: Philly DA announces charges after missing 10-year-old girl found dead

“It was that video that then led law enforcement to a suspicious vehicle, which then led law enforcement to find that vehicle and find a person that they wanted to talk to related to that vehicle,” Toczylowski said.

Police were able to speak with a witness attached to the vehicle, which ultimately led them to the body.

Authorities said Malayshia was found dead in a car at the Stonington Court Apartments in Lindenwold, New Jersey, around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

It is believed her body was moved to another vehicle before she was found.

Prosecutors said there were signs of abuse and that objects may have been used to inflict injuries. They declined to provide further details about his injuries.

WATCH: Assistant DA Ashley Toczylowski talks about charges in the case

The community is deeply shaken

Allford’s death deeply shook the community.

She had attended the Robert E. Lamberton School.

“The School District of Philadelphia is heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of 10-year-old student Malayshia Allford, a student of Robert E. Lamberton. We wish to express our deepest condolences and deepest sympathies to her family, friends and classmates,” the school district said in a statement.

Malcolm Jordan was part of the local search team in West Philadelphia. He can’t believe this tragic outcome.

“It’s heartbreaking that this is the end result. I just wish it was a different outcome, man, and we just have to do what we can to prevent this from happening,” he said.

“I think she’s looking up to heaven now and saying, Father, look at all these people supporting me and showing me love who don’t even know me,” said John Taylor, pastor of the Church of Christian Compassion.

Allford’s friend Zayla stopped by the vigil with a poster expressing love for her class.

“She was nice, she was nice to everyone. She was friends with everyone. And the last time I saw her, I gave her a hug,” the friend said.

Zayla’s parent said Williams was their daughter’s teacher.

“Just letting her know it’s going to be okay. She doesn’t really understand that it was her teacher. And she keeps asking a lot of questions. I don’t even have the answers,” said Ryenise Hodges of West Philadelphia.

Neighbors say they want to know how this happened and what can be done to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.

“So many people abandoned her next to that foster home, so many more people,” April McBride-McGolne said.

Allford’s family has asked for privacy as they prepare to lay her to rest.

WATCH: Family members speak out after charges announced in missing girl’s death

Family members thanked the community for their support during the search and asked the public to avoid judgment as they deal with the loss.

“If you know us, you know what’s going on. But please support my family with the love we need. No judgment,” said Malayshia’s biological uncle, Nafis Horne.

Horne believes more people are involved in her niece’s death and wants those responsible to be held accountable.

Anyone with information about the case can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.

Williams is being held without bail and is due back in court on November 23.