Ta’Haley Payton vanished in November during a trip to North Carolina celebrating her 22nd birthday. Almost four weeks later, Payton was found dead, and her family is seeking answers — especially since things don’t seem to be adding up.
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According to police, on Nov. 19, Payton and her boyfriend drove two hours from their South Carolina home to Charlotte, N.C. for Payton’s birthday. The pair also welcomed a baby girl just six months ago.
The next day, the couple reportedly got into an argument, which resulted in Payton’s boyfriend leaving the young mother and returning back home alone, according to WHNS. Family members said the boyfriend called Payton’s mother on Nov. 20, telling her he was leaving and she would have to go get her daughter. “She got left here with no phone, no money, no resources,” the best friend continued.
Payton eventually contacted her mother on Nov. 20 from a local pub, telling her she “didn’t feel safe,” according to WHNS. Her mom reportedly told her to wait so she could send an Uber to come pick her up. Just a few hours later, Payton reportedly texted her family that a friend was coming to get her, but that never happened.
“Police somehow got involved with her, and basically said they wanted her to go to the hospital,” Payton’s younger sister, Karlotta, told WBTV. According to the family, Payton was admitted to a local emergency room for post-partum depression that same night, but she was eventually released.
That’s when she disappeared. “She wouldn’t leave her daughter,” said Karlotta. “My mama screamed and sobbed for TT all Thanksgiving, wondering where her child is,” she continued.
According to WSOC, two weeks before Christmas— yet another major family holiday— N.C. police found Payton’s dead body near a park on Monday (Dec. 9). An official cause of death has not been revealed to the public yet.
“Ta’Haley was very funny, outspoken, very outgoing, and she would light up every room she was ever in,” Payton’s high school classmate, Jailyn Keys, told the Charlotte Observer. “She was all about her siblings, very family-oriented, and we just want to pay our respects today.”
Payton’s family gathered to remember the young mother with a balloon release, as covered by the Charlotte Observer. “We release these balloons for peace,” Payton’s sister said. “This is to symbolize to Ta’Haley that she’s set free, and we’re going to be okay, and her baby is going to be okay. We’re going to make it.”
“We know as much as the public knows” Kelanie Davis told the Charlotte Observer about her best friend’s death. “I just want my best friend to get the justice she deserves and to lay her easy at rest.”
The family has created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs for Payton.
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