In a case that has gripped western Kentucky, two men have been sentenced in connection with the death of an 8-month-old infant, Miya Rudd, whose decomposed body was discovered in a duffel bag in her family home in Reynolds Station. The child was reported missing on June 6, 2024, and her remains were found approximately a week later, concealed in a duffel bag within the family’s residence, located about 90 miles southwest of Louisville.
The authorities have alleged that the death of Miya and the subsequent concealment of her body was a conspiracy involving the group residing in the rural home. The Kentucky State Police have charged five individuals in the case: Ricky Smith, 58, Brodie Payne, 30, Tesla Tucker, 29, Cage Rudd, 30, and Taletha Tucker, 50 at the time of her arrest in November 2024.
Smith, the child’s grandfather, along with Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd, her parents, were among those charged. Taletha Tucker, Miya’s grandmother, was also implicated. Payne’s relationship to the family remains unclear, but he had been living in the Rudd household for about six months before his arrest.
Drug use has been a significant factor in the case. All the individuals, except for Taletha Tucker, were charged with drug trafficking, with methamphetamine being the primary controlled substance involved.
Last week, Smith and Payne entered plea agreements, resulting in the dismissal of certain charges, including murder. They both pleaded guilty to trafficking a controlled substance, and Payne also admitted to wanton endangerment. Consequently, both men received five-year prison sentences.
Prosecutors have reportedly filed notices of aggravating circumstances against Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd, which could potentially lead to the jury recommending the death penalty if they are found guilty of murder.
When Miya’s body was discovered, methamphetamine was found in her system, and there was substantial evidence of neglect. The state of decomposition of her body was such that the cause of death could not be definitively determined.
The Rudd family home was described as “cluttered” by Kentucky State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Corey King. He noted that the house was so contaminated with drugs and drug residue that it had to be sanitized before a thorough search could be conducted. Miya’s body was eventually found under a significant amount of debris.