by Charlotte, North Carolina – A tense search for a 10-month-old girl in Charlotte, North Carolina, ended with relief after police announced the infant had been found unharmed following an alleged kidnapping involving a family member and that individual’s boyfriend. The case, which triggered an Amber Alert, quickly drew regional attention as authorities worked overnight to locate the child.
Infant Located After Overnight Search
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), baby Nalaya Crew was allegedly abducted around 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, prompting immediate concern from both law enforcement and the child’s family. The Amber Alert described Nalaya as a child who could be in danger due to the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
In an update issued on Sunday, November 16, CMPD confirmed Nalaya had been safely recovered.
“The child was located unharmed and has been reunited with her mother,” investigators said in their public statement.
Authorities did not disclose the exact location where Nalaya was found but emphasized that the swift actions of responding officers played a key role in bringing the infant home safely.
Two Suspects Taken Into Custody
CMPD identified Michelle Hemphill, age 19, as the primary suspect in the abduction. Hemphill is a relative of the child, though police have not detailed the exact nature of the relationship. Her boyfriend, Timothy Lee Smith Jr., age 23, was also named as a suspect and is believed to have assisted in the alleged kidnapping.
Both individuals have since been taken into custody. Investigators noted that the pair’s actions raised serious concerns about Nalaya’s safety.
In their initial alert, authorities said the family believed the baby was “in danger” if left in Hemphill’s care. Police highlighted that Hemphill was “currently homeless and has no means to provide for the child,” an issue that significantly elevated the urgency of the response.
Last Seen in a Blue Minivan
Prior to their arrests, CMPD shared details indicating Hemphill had last been seen entering a blue minivan near the 6600 block of Monroe Road in Charlotte. Police believe Smith was driving the vehicle at the time.
That information prompted a series of targeted searches and community alerts, as officers urged residents in and around the area to report any sightings of the vehicle or individuals involved.
CMPD has not yet released further details about the circumstances of the recovery or the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation moves forward.
Community’s Role in the Amber Alert Response
Amber Alerts are issued only when authorities believe a child is in immediate danger, and in Nalaya’s case, the quick dissemination of information to the public played a vital role. Law enforcement agencies praised the community for remaining vigilant and reporting possible leads, allowing officers to narrow their search window.
While Nalaya’s safe recovery brought relief, the case underscores the fragile nature of child welfare in situations involving unstable housing, strained family dynamics, or unauthorized custody actions.
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Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The CMPD continues to investigate the events that led up to Nalaya’s disappearance, including the motivations of the two suspects and the conditions under which she was taken. Detectives are also reviewing whether previous incidents or family disputes may have contributed to the situation.
Authorities urged the public to remain cooperative:
“Anyone with information tied to this case is encouraged to call 911 or contact CMPD directly at 704-336-7600.”
More updates are expected after prosecutors review the evidence and determine appropriate charges.
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