Incident Overview
A couple from Virginia has been apprehended following the tragic discovery of their five-year-old daughter, Saylor Hayes, in South Carolina waters. John Herb Hayes III, 70, and Geordyn Nichole Hayes, 31, were detained in Carter County, Tennessee. They face charges of unlawfully placing a child at risk or willfully abandoning a child, as announced by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Case
Saylor, described as autistic and nonverbal, was reported missing on Sunday afternoon. Authorities found her body on Monday morning near Hagley Landing in Pawleys Island. The search was extensive, involving many agencies and community members.
Parental Oversight Allegations
The arrest warrants accuse the parents of failing to supervise Saylor adequately. The affidavits state they didn’t provide the necessary safeguards for a nonverbal, autistic child who had a known attraction to water and a history of wandering.
The couple contended their daughter wandered from a rental home. However, they allegedly removed a Project Lifesaver monitoring device before leaving Virginia. Within 15 meters of water, they purportedly left Saylor unsupervised, despite knowing she wasn’t wearing the device.
Search Efforts and Misleading Directions
The Project Lifesaver device helps track those at risk of wandering, often due to cognitive conditions. Authorities claim the parents misdirected search efforts towards an unreliable tracker and away from nearby water.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, confirmed the device was left in a vehicle at the Hayes residence. They noted the band for the device requires physical cutting for removal.
Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings
Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver labeled the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy” affecting the entire community. He emphasized Saylor’s vulnerability and deserving protection.
The parents remain in custody without bond, awaiting an extradition hearing. It’s unclear if they have legal representation. Sheriff Weaver acknowledges the community’s loss, stressing pursuit of truth and accountability.