A 16-year-old girl from Grand Rapids who was found dead in Kalamazoo was the victim in a sex assault case set to go to trial later this year, according to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker.
Mujey Dumbuya was reported missing from Grand Rapids on Jan. 25 after she didn't show up for classes at East Kentwood High School. She was last seen the day before. She was found dead Jan. 28.
Becker says Quinn Anthony James, 42, is the suspect in a sex assault case in which Dumbuya was the victim.
James is being held at the Kent County Jail for one count of criminal sexual conduct in an unrelated case. He is a former employee of Kentwood Public Schools.
The superintendent released the following statement on Wednesday, Feb. 7:
Mr. James was employed from October 24, 2011 until November 30, 2017. He worked grounds and maintenance outside around the district during the summer or plowing snow during the winter. He also was responsible in the summer for things such as grass cutting, building repair and grounds upkeep. This past year he worked part time as a shuttle driver of documents between district offices. He has not worked as a high school custodian since May of 2016.
The following day, Dumbuya's family released this statement:
We are heartbroken, devastated and overwhelmed with grief over the death of our beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin.
Mujey was a generous, energetic young woman with a radiant smile and an adventurous spirit.
Mujey was a very good student who loved school. She had a close circle of friends, and was loved by everyone that knew her. Mujey loved music and dancing. She took classes in dance, martial arts and archery. Mujey was looking forward to graduating from high school next year. She wanted to be a police officer to help fight against social injustice, including racism.
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