Ta’Haley Payton, a 22-year-old woman from South Carolina, has been reported missing after traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate her birthday with her boyfriend, 25-year-old Setoby Armstrong. The couple made the trip from Greenville, S.C. to Charlotte on Nov. 19, but the celebration took a dark turn, leaving Ta’Haley’s family now searching for answers.
The Last Known Location: Microtel Inn & Suites in Charlotte
According to Ta’Haley’s sister, Karlotta Payton, she told The North Carolina Beat that the couple checked into the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charlotte/Northlake on Ta’Haley’s birthday, Nov. 19. During the trip, tensions escalated when Setoby allegedly accused Ta’Haley of texting other men. This argument led to the couple checking out of the hotel the next morning Nov. 20, but Setoby reportedly drove off, leaving Ta’Haley behind at the hotel.
Following Setoby leaving her, Ta’Haley walked to a nearby Circle K gas station, attempting to contact her family for help. Her phone had been broken in prior incidents with Setoby, forcing her to rely on his phone to stay in touch with loved ones.
While at the gas station, police were called. Karlotta said police called her mom and told her that they attempted to speak with Ta’Haley, but she refused to speak with them. Medics were called to check on her, and it was at this point that Setoby mysteriously reappeared.
Karlotta explained that Setoby was on the phone with her mother at the time, and she asked him not to leave Ta’Haley alone, seeing if he would stay there with her until family could arrive or arrange Uber transportation.
“At this point when he [Armstrong] go back to the Circle K, he is on the phone with my mom and she’s telling him ‘don’t leave my baby’ and to just stay with her until we can get there or try to get a uber for her,” Lotta explained.
“He kept saying ‘I’m hurt, I’m hurt,'” Karlotta recalled the phone call her mother had with Setoby.
Ta’Haley’s Movements and Final Communication
After being evaluated by medical staff, Ta’Haley was taken to a local hospital but was later discharged around 2:30 p.m. that same afternoon. She then visited Big Ben Pub, a British sports bar on Elizabeth Avenue, where she called her mother to assure her she was okay and heading to a nearby Burger King. However, she stopped by a Crumbl Cookie shop.Â
Final Text Messages Spark Concern
At the Crumbl Cookie shop, Ta’Haley used an employee’s phone to text her mother, saying a close friend was on the way to pick her up. When Karlotta arrived in town, she retraced her sister’s steps, visiting every location Ta’Haley had been. At Crumbl, Karlotta spoke with the employee, who confirmed that Ta’Haley had made two phone calls—one to her mom and the other number was Setoby’s.
Later, at 3:55 p.m., Ta’Haley sent a follow-up message to her mom, confirming that her friend was on the way. However, her family suspects that Setoby may have picked her up instead.
Karlotta expressed doubts about one of the text messages, stating that it didn’t sound like something her sister would write, raising concerns that Setoby may have been involved in her disappearance.
Ta’Haley’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown
Since that final communication, Ta’Haley has not been seen, and Setoby Armstrong has not provided any information about her whereabouts, leaving her family fearing for her safety.Â
Ta’Haley’s family also shared with The North Carolina Beat that, two weeks ago, she left Setoby due to his alleged ongoing threats to kill her and their child if she tried to leave. However, they claim that Setoby somehow convinced her to return, and this has now led to her disappearance.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the disappearance, and Ta’Haley’s family is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Missing Person Details
- Name: Ta’Haley Payton
- Age: 22
- Height: 5’7″
- Weight: 120 lbs
- Last Seen: November 19, 2024
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Clothing: Brown furry coat, sweatpants, Guess slides, brown Michael Kors bag
If you have any information, please call the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department or (864)-671-8325.
