Body of missing 22-year-old woman celebrating birthday found south of uptown Charlotte

The body of a missing 22-year-old woman was found Monday near a park between Dilworth and uptown, according to police.

Detectives are investigating the death of Ta-Haley Payton. Police said she was reported missing by her family on Nov. 20, the day after her birthday. Police said Wednesday that her body was found in the 1100 block of Baxter Street.

The area is near Pearl Street Park and the neighborhood is home to large retail and residential developments.

Charlotte Observer news partner WSOC reported that Payton was from Greenville, South Carolina, and was visiting Charlotte with her boyfriend to celebrate her birthday.

Friends and an employee at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham in north Charlotte say Payton got into an argument with her boyfriend at the hotel and he drove away without her, WSOC reported.

A witness told WSOC that Payton came into the Crumbl Cookies store in Midtown three times on Nov. 20 asking for help and to use a phone.

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

“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.”

Employees at an Arby’s and the Trader Joe’s in the area also reported seeing Payton that evening, WSOC reported.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police asked that anyone with information on the case call police at 704-432-TIPS or contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/

A friend set up a fundraiser via GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses.

This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 4:23 AM.