A 22-year-old woman was tragically found dead several weeks after going missing during a birthday trip with her boyfriend. Ta’Haley Payton’s family reported her missing on Nov. 28, after she was last seen on Nov. 20 during a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. According to WHNS-TV, Payton had traveled from Greenville, South Carolina, to Charlotte to celebrate her birthday with her boyfriend, the father of their 6-month-old daughter.
On Nov. 20, Payton’s boyfriend reportedly contacted her mother, saying he was returning from Charlotte. Later that day, Payton reached out to her mother and expressed concern for her safety, telling her she did not feel safe. Payton mentioned that she planned to walk to a nearby Burger King, but her mother advised her to call an Uber or Lyft instead. However, Payton later told her family that a friend would be picking her up, though that didn’t happen.
Reports from WBTV-TV suggest that Payton and her boyfriend got into an argument, which escalated when he allegedly kicked her out of the car. Following the altercation, he returned to South Carolina without her. During the trip, it was also reported that Payton had visited a hospital to seek help for postpartum depression.
On Dec. 9, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced that Payton’s body was found on the 1100 block of Baxter Street. Although the authorities have yet to reveal whether they are investigating her death as a homicide or if foul play was involved, the case has raised serious concerns.
The family of Payton is left in shock and mourning, still searching for answers about what transpired during the last days of her life. As the investigation continues, loved ones are hoping for justice and clarity regarding the circumstances of her tragic death.