A 10-month-old North Carolina girl at the center of a weekend Amber Alert has been found safe, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced. The infant, identified by authorities as Nalaya Crew, was located unharmed and has been reunited with her mother after an overnight search that drew citywide attention.
According to CMPD, the Amber Alert was issued Saturday evening after Crew was allegedly abducted around 7 p.m. The department canceled the alert the following day, confirming the child had been found and was in good condition.
What CMPD Has Said So Far
In its update, CMPD stated that Crew was "located unharmed and has been reunited with her mother," bringing a swift end to the alert that had mobilized local law enforcement and the public. Police identified two people believed to be involved in the abduction: a relative, 19-year-old Michelle Hemphill, and Hemphill’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Timothy Lee Smith Jr. Both have been taken into custody, CMPD said.
Investigators previously noted that the family believed Crew was "in danger" while with Hemphill. In a public notice, authorities shared the family’s concern that Hemphill was "currently homeless and has no means to provide for the child."
Before the arrests, police said Hemphill was last seen getting into a blue minivan driven by Smith. The couple was spotted in the area of the 6600 block of Monroe Road in Charlotte. CMPD has not released additional details about the vehicle beyond its color and location sighting.
As of the most recent update from CMPD, a motive for the alleged abduction has not been disclosed. Authorities have not announced formal charges or provided information about court appearances. Anyone with additional information that could assist the investigation is urged to call 911 or contact CMPD at 704-336-7600.
Timeline Of The Amber Alert
The alert was activated Saturday evening after police said Crew was taken. Amber Alerts are issued in cases where a child is believed to have been abducted and is in danger, using broadcast systems, mobile alerts, and highway signs to get critical information to the public quickly. The rapid cancellation following CMPD’s Sunday update indicates authorities were able to locate Crew within hours of the alert’s activation.
While CMPD has not released specific details about how Crew was found, the department emphasized that she was unharmed when located and was promptly returned to her mother. The case remains active as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.
How North Carolina Law Defines Kidnapping
Kidnapping is treated as a serious felony in North Carolina. Under state law, a kidnapping charge can apply when an individual unlawfully confines, restrains, or moves another person without consent—or, in the case of a minor under 16, without the consent of a parent or guardian. The law categorizes kidnapping into two degrees, both felonies.
First-degree kidnapping applies if the victim is not released to a safe place, is sexually assaulted, or suffers serious injury. Second-degree kidnapping applies when the victim is released in a safe place and no sexual assault or serious injury occurs. Convictions can carry lengthy prison sentences, with penalties depending on the degree of the offense and the facts of the case.
At this time, CMPD has not specified which charges Hemphill and Smith may face, and no pleas have been publicly disclosed. As is standard, any formal charges would be determined by investigators and prosecutors based on evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.
Public’s Role And Ongoing Investigation
CMPD’s rapid dissemination of information, combined with the public’s attention to the Amber Alert, played a crucial role in the safe recovery of Crew. Law enforcement agencies rely on quick responses to these alerts, as tips from the community can help establish timelines, corroborate sightings, and locate involved individuals and vehicles.
Authorities are continuing to review evidence and witness statements to piece together the events that led to Crew’s disappearance and safe recovery. CMPD encourages anyone with information relevant to the incident, including those who may have seen the blue minivan or the individuals identified in the alert, to contact police.
For now, the most important update remains clear: Crew is safe, and she’s back with her mother. Further details—including potential charges and court proceedings—are expected as the investigation progresses.
