The Murder of Baylee Carver
The search for Baylee Carver began after police received a call for help at a house on Floral Drive in Albemarle, about 40 miles east of Charlotte along North Carolina 27. Detectives eventually determined Carver was killed there, but her body had been removed from the home.
The investigation led police to arrest and charge the teenager's boyfriend, 20-year-old Joshua Biles, with felony obstruction of justice and concealment of death.
A search party consisting of neighbors found blood inside Biles' Honda Civic, which was outside his home. They called police, who had the vehicle taken for forensic analysis.
Biles then told officers that Carver was dead and he had disposed of her body, which was found four days later, on Tuesday May 14, 2024 in Cabarrus County.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Baylee Carver. As they mourn their loss, our hearts are with them during this difficult time. The Albemarle Police Department is grateful for all of the assistance and resources provided throughout the course of this search. The investigation is still ongoing,” said Albemarle Police Chief Jason Bollhorst.
“I wish I could’ve done more,” her father, Justin Carver, told WSOC-TV, and said that he and Baylee’s mother, his wife, Marie, were grateful for the efforts to find her. Crews spent four days searching more than 1,000 miles of territory across three counties.
"A lot of people have been out here, and I want to thank everyone who been out here and been hunting for her," Carver said. "Even people who didn't know us."
Bennie Carver, the victim’s grandfather, added, “It’s hard but I’m glad it’s over with. The hunt and everything. We prayed justice be done,” WSOC-TV reports.
Emily Lowery, a longtime friend of Carver’s who confirmed that Carver was in a relationship with Biles, told WCNC that she had been trying to hope for the best.
“I don’t think anybody wanted to think that was real,” she told the outlet. “She’s a very uplifting person. I’ve never heard her talk bad about anyone.”
Biles, held on a $250,000 bond and charged with felony obstruction and concealment of death, maintains he is innocent in the death of the 17-year-old, but investigators said her wounds indicate an "unnatural death."
Police also say that Biles has a troubled history, but have not said publicly what that might mean. The case was continued in mid 2024 and there have been no updates on the case since.
