The maternal grandmother of murdered eight-month-old Miya Rudd is facing additional charges.
Kentucky State Police on Wednesday arrested and charged 50-year-old Taletha D. Tucker, of Owensboro, with first-degree criminal abuse (victim under the age of 12), controlled substance endangerment of a child and first-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension. Tucker was previously charged with being a fugitive from another state (Indiana).
Tucker was lodged in the Ohio County Detention Center.
Miya Rudd went missing in late April 2024 from her Reynolds Station home in Ohio County. Following an intensive investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, on June 14 her decomposed body was found hidden in a duffel bag inside the residence where she lived with her parents, 29-year-old Tesla Tucker and 30-year-old Cage C. Rudd, her paternal grandfather, 56-year-old Ricky Smith, and 28-year-old Brodie Payne, who lived with the family for six months prior to Miya disappearing.
Taletha Tucker, according to state police, was given custody of Tesla Tucker’s three children but it was determined she violated a court order by allowing the children to continue to live with Tesla Tucker.
“During the investigation, a hair follicle sample was taken from each child which two of the three children returned positive for methamphetamine and cannabis,” according to state police. “It is believed Taletha Tucker permitted the children to stay with Tesla Tucker in Reynolds Station which violated the order and came in contact with the substances.”
The investigation also determined Taletha Tucker provided a large sum of money to Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd so the couple could avoid apprehension.
The investigation is ongoing, as investigators continue to wait for the state Medical Examiner’s report on Miya Rudd’s autopsy.
K105’s previous coverage on the multiple arrests related to Miya Rudd’s disappearance and the discovery of her body:
Miya Rudd missing, parents arrested
Cadaver dogs search for missing Miya Rudd
Maternal grandparents of Miya Rudd arrested
Third person arrested in disappearance of Ohio Co. baby, mother moved to Ohio Co. jail
Man arrested in ‘illegal drug operation’ run out of missing 8-month-old Miya Rudd’s home
Arrests continue to be made as police search for missing 8-month-old Ohio Co. girl
Body of 8-month-old Miya Tucker found ‘hidden in a concealed manner’
4 indicted for drug trafficking, child abuse in Miya Rudd death investigation
Drug residue, Narcan found near Miya Rudd’s playpen, bassinet. Baby’s body found in duffel bag
(Photo l-r: Miya Rudd, Taletha D. Tucker)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
