09/02/2026
A tragic case that has deeply effected a local community...
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
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PARENTS OF SAYLOR HAYES ARRESTED, CHARGED
John Herb Hayes, III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes were arrested this evening in Carter County, Tennessee and each charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk/willfully abandoning a child for their actions in the disappearance and subsequent death of their child, 5-year-old Saylor Hayes. The body of the missing girl, who had been the subject of an intensive search involving hundreds of people and multiple agencies, was found yesterday morning in the waters near Hagley Landing. Once extradition proceedings are complete, the couple will be transported back to Georgetown County.
STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF CARTER WEAVER
The death of Saylor Hayes is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected our community and everyone who worked so hard to find her.
From the beginning, our responsibility has been to follow the evidence wherever it led. Following an extensive investigation, Saylor’s parents have been arrested and charged under South Carolina law relating to unlawfully placing a child at risk of or causing harm, or willfully abandoning a child.
Parents and caregivers have a fundamental responsibility to protect children who cannot protect themselves. When the evidence establishes probable cause to believe that a child has been unlawfully placed in circumstances that endanger that child’s safety, law enforcement has a responsibility to act.
Saylor was a vulnerable five-year-old child who depended upon the adults responsible for her care and protection. She deserved to be safe. She deserved to be protected.
These arrests are based upon the evidence developed during this investigation and the applicable law. They should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Nothing we do can bring Saylor back. What we can do is pursue the truth, seek accountability through our justice system, and continue doing everything within our authority to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
I remain extremely grateful to the deputies, investigators, first responders, partner agencies and citizens who worked tirelessly to find Saylor and determine what happened to her.
This case is now entering the judicial process, and we will respect that process. Above all, we will remember Saylor and remain committed to ensuring that her life is not forgotten.
Saylor deserved to be safe. She deserved to be protected
