Family says they were within feet of finding missing daughter

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a woman found nearly starved to death in a Gwinnett County hotel says they were within feet of finding her last year.

Iasha Sweeting, 21, weighed just 59 pounds when police found her, allegedly being starved while living with a cult member.

According to Sweeting’s family, her health is improving. They said they try to remember her as an outgoing teen poet.

“She’s fighting. She’s always been a fighter,” said Darnell Morgan, Sweeting’s uncle.

Gwinnett County Police said Sweeting is one of five victims starved by Calvin McIntosh and his daughter Najlaa. A 15-month-old baby died. Three other children and Sweeting survived.

The father and daughter are charged with murder, cruelty and exploitation. Both allegedly brought Sweeting into their Nuwaubian Nation of Moors religion, then punished her for “disobedience.”

“We were preyed upon. My own family was preyed upon,” said Sweeting’s mother.

Sweeting's mother said the family continually hunted for her since she disappeared in 2010. They had tips she might be living a Peachtree Corners hotel last fall. Relatives watched the hotel and went to extreme measures to try and spot her.

The family said no one came out, but months later, police found Sweeting in room 310 with the other children. Police said she was likely days from death.

The McIntoshs are due back in court alter this week. Sweeting remains hospitalized.

WSBTV