A 10-month-old girl who became the subject of an Amber Alert on Sunday morning has been safely located, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the WCNC. Authorities confirmed that the child, Nalaya Crew, was found unharmed and that two individuals connected to her disappearance — 19-year-old Michelle Hemphill and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Timothy Lee Smith Jr. — were taken into custody. Police have not yet disclosed what charges the pair may face.
Nalaya was first reported missing at 7:01 p.m. on Saturday. According to investigators, Hemphill, identified as a distant family member, and Smith took the infant without authorization. Concern for the child’s safety escalated quickly after Nalaya’s family informed officers that Hemphill is homeless and unable to provide adequate care, prompting fears the girl was in immediate danger.
Officials have not released further information regarding the exact circumstances of where or when Nalaya was recovered. Prior to her rescue, police stated that Hemphill had last been seen entering a blue minivan believed to be driven by Smith in the area of the 6600 block of Monroe Road in southeast Charlotte.
Law enforcement previously released detailed physical descriptions as part of the Amber Alert. Nalaya was described as approximately 2 feet tall, weighing 20 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Hemphill was listed as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, while Smith was described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, also weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Authorities urged the public to report any sightings of the suspects or the child, asking anyone with information to immediately call 911.
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