Justice for Ta-Haley Payton: Missing South Carolina Mother Found Dead in Charlotte

 
Justice for Ta-Haley Payton: Missing South Carolina Mother Found Dead in Charlotte

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has confirmed heartbreaking news regarding Ta-Haley Payton, a 22-year-old mother who was reported missing in late November. 

On December 9, 2024, officers discovered her body near Baxter Street in Charlotte, marking a devastating end to weeks of uncertainty for her family. 

This development has shifted the case into a homicide investigation, leaving loved ones and the community grappling for answers.

The Timeline Leading to Tragedy

November 19, 2024: Ta-Haley traveled to Charlotte from Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her boyfriend to celebrate her birthday. However, what was supposed to be a joyous occasion soon became a nightmare. Family members revealed that the couple argued at a hotel, and her boyfriend allegedly abandoned her the next morning.

November 20, 2024: Ta-Haley made several desperate calls to her family. She contacted her mother, expressing fears for her safety and sharing plans to walk to a nearby Burger King. Later, she texted that a friend would pick her up, but she was never heard from again. 

Eyewitnesses provided haunting accounts of her final hours. 

Emily Stewart, a Crumbl Cookie employee, shared that Ta-Haley sought help multiple times, using her phone to call her mother and message her boyfriend. 

Stewart recounted, “She said, ‘I’ll sleep outside tonight. I’m sorry for everything.’” 

Employees at nearby businesses, including Arby’s and Trader Joe’s, also reported seeing her that evening.

Justice for Ta-Haley Payton: Missing South Carolina Mother Found Dead in Charlotte
Ta-Haley Payton

Discovery and Investigation

Weeks after her disappearance, officers located Ta-Haley’s body near Baxter Street, not far from where she was last seen. 

The Charlotte police department has since classified this as a homicide investigation, though the cause of death remains undisclosed. 

Authorities, including Detective Jones of the Homicide Unit, are actively working to uncover what led to this tragic outcome.

Family members have expressed frustration and grief. “It’s disheartening to know she was out here by herself when she was supposed to be with someone who cared for her,” said Mary Davis, a family friend.

The Payton family and friends have been relentless in their search for answers. 

Before her body was found, they organized door-to-door searches and spoke to locals in hopes of gathering information. 

Her best friend, Kelanie Davis, described the effort as “extremely hard,” but underscored the importance of keeping Ta-Haley’s story alive.

Justice for Ta-Haley Payton: Missing South Carolina Mother Found Dead in Charlotte
Ta-Haley Payton

Ta-Haley Payton’s family and friends are planning a balloon release in her honor, remembering her as someone full of life. “She was always dancing and singing,” shared her sister, Karlotta. 

Her love for Whitney Houston and the joy she brought to those around her remain cherished memories.

They've also set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses.

CMPD encourages anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 704-432-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. 

Tips could play a critical role in piecing together the events leading to Ta-Haley’s death.

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous. 


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