Police find body of SC woman reported missing in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — A death investigation is now underway after the body of a missing woman from South Carolina was found near Uptown Charlotte.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, officers found the body of 22-year-old Ta’haley Payton near a park on Baxter Street on Monday.

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Channel 9 reported when Payton’s family members were looking for her in the Charlotte area. She was reported missing after last being seen on Nov. 20 along Charlottetowne Avenue. Her body was found weeks later near Charlottetowne Avenue.

Family members told Channel 9 that Ta’Haley was originally from Greenville, South Carolina, but came to Charlotte with her boyfriend to celebrate her birthday.

CMPD said Payton’s family has been notified of her death.

Friends say Payton got into an argument with her boyfriend at a hotel and then he drove away without her the next day. A worker confirmed that story.

“I don’t know, it’s just wild, it’s wild. It was very weird how she came in multiple times,” said Emily Stewart, a witness.

Stewart said around 5 or 6 that evening, Payton came into a Crumbl cookie chop in Midtown looking for help.

“She just asked to use my phone and I just handed it to her. She said her boyfriend kicked her out of the car. He was found with some other girl and she needed a ride,” Stewart said.

She said Payton called her mom and returned to the store two other times to use the phone.

“It turns out she also messaged her boyfriend from my phone. I guess she said I’ll sleep outside tonight and I’m sorry for everything,” Stewart said.

Employees at a nearby Arby’s and Trader Joe’s reported seeing Payton that night, but family and friends never heard from her again.

The department says this is being classified as a death investigation, but her cause of death wasn’t released. It’s not clear if foul play is suspected. Police say it could be a few days before they learn more details.

In the meantime, family and friends have planned a balloon release for Saturday afternoon in Midtown. They’ve also set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

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