10-Month-Old Nalaya Crew Found Safe After Alleged Abduction by Relative and Boyfriend; Suspects Arrested

Infant located unharmed after Amber Alert in Charlotte

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced that a 10-month-old girl, identified as Nalaya Crew, was found safe following an alleged abduction on Saturday, Nov. 15. An Amber Alert was issued after authorities said the child was taken at about 7:00 p.m. in Charlotte.

Investigators allege the infant was taken by a relative, 19-year-old Michelle Hemphill, along with Hemphill’s 23-year-old boyfriend, Timothy Lee Smith Jr. Both suspects have been taken into custody, CMPD said.

“The child was located unharmed and has been reunited with her mother,” CMPD said in an update on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Family members had reportedly expressed concern for Nalaya’s safety while she was with Hemphill. Police said relatives believed the child was "in danger," and that Hemphill "is currently homeless and has no means to provide for the child." Before the arrests, Hemphill was last seen entering a blue minivan believed to have been driven by Smith near the 6600 block of Monroe Road.

What authorities request from the public

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 911 or the CMPD at 704-336-7600. CMPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Key facts:

• Victim: 10-month-old Nalaya Crew — located unharmed and reunited with her mother.
• Suspects: Michelle Hemphill, 19, and Timothy Lee Smith Jr., 23 — both arrested.
• Last seen: Around 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 15 near the 6600 block of Monroe Road; vehicle described as a blue minivan.
• Tip line: Call 911 or CMPD at 704-336-7600.

This update will be revised if authorities release additional information.