ALBEMARLE, N.C. — The remains of 17-year-old Baylee Carver, of Albemarle, were found in Cabarrus County after a four-day-long search, police said.
Baylee Carver’s remains were found north of Highway 49 and Route 601 just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
Many of her loved ones got the news minutes before the start of a vigil at the Rose Briar restaurant in Albemarle.
Their hope turned to heartache, and some were relieved now that they had closure.
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“In light of some recent news, this meeting has taken a turn. They found her. Yes, they did. Thank the lord,” said Melissa Eudy, the vigil organizer.
Baylee Carver’s loved ones shared hugs, tears, and prayers.
“It’s hard but I’m glad it’s over with,” said Bennie Carver, the victim’s grandfather. “The hunt and everything. We prayed justice be done.”
Bennie Carver and his wife, Marie Carver, said they’re grateful for the crews who searched in Stanly, Rowan and Cabarrus counties.
“A lot of people care,” Marie Carver said.
“It’s special to have a lot of people out here,” Bennie Carver said. “And I want to thank everyone who been out here. Even people who didn’t know us.”
Baylee Carver had obvious wounds to her body, which indicated she did not die naturally, according to court documents.
Albemarle police said her boyfriend, Joshua Biles, 20, called 911 early Friday to report her death and that he disposed of her body.
Bennie Carver has strong words for her killer.
“I can’t believe they had done something like this to her,” he said. “And threw her out like a piece of trash, you know. It’s awful. They don’t even deserve to get out. They don’t even deserve bond. They need to keep them in there.”
Albemarle police said the medical examiner will perform an autopsy to confirm how Baylee died.
Bile was charged with felony obstruction and concealment of death and is in the Stanly County jail. There could be more charges.
The search
The search for Baylee Carver started on Friday, which was when Biles told police that he couldn’t remember where he left the body.
“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,” Albemarle Police Chief Jason Bollhorst said.
In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, police said law enforcement has covered more than 1,000 miles while searching for the 17-year-old’s remains.
On Monday, Channel 9′s Almiya White watched as 13 agencies made up of at least 70 people searched through wooded areas in Albemarle hoping to find Carver’s remains.
Police said they got a call around 4:30 a.m. Friday from a home on Floral Drive in Albemarle. They said when they arrived, Biles told them his girlfriend was dead and he had disposed of her body using a red Honda Civic. The car was at the home.
The State Bureau of Investigation combed through the car and the home for evidence that day. It was later impounded by the Albemarle Police Department.
Investigators said Carver’s phone was last pinged in the area of Gold Hill.
The Albemarle Police Department asked people who live in the communities of Gold Hill, Cold Water, Mount Pleasant, and northwestern Stanly County (northwestern Albemarle, Richfield, and Misenheimer) to check their surveillance cameras for video on Friday between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to see if they had video of the red car.
The car is a 1999 two-door red Honda Civic with black wheels. It has a North Carolina tag reading RHC 1776.
Police emphasized that they weren’t looking for the car itself, but for video of the car.
Agencies searched all day Monday until dark.
‘Most loving person’
Carver’s friends and family said she was a sweet girl who didn’t deserve this. Just four day ago, she turned 17 years old. The following day, police presumed her dead.
“I feel like I can’t stop until they find her, or we find her,” her father, Justin Carver, told Channel 9′s Glenn Counts over the weekend.
The NCMEC is one of the agencies that’s taking part in the search. They’re using dogs to help, but they present challenges of their own.
“Working the road areas has been incredibly difficult with dogs because the cars are going so fast and not slowing down,” Briggs said. “If a dog goes into an odor that we need them to, they’re just going to run, so we’re worried about dogs getting hit.”
A mom who said her son was friends with Carver posted a sign in town, saying she was heartbroken to hear the news because Carver was “the kindest, most loving person you could ever meet.”
As far as Biles, he’s charged with felony obstruction and concealment of a death. He has a first appearance in court Monday and remains in jail with a $250,000 bond.
When asked if Biles admitted to killing Carver, police said he made no statements like that.
Biles is scheduled for a court date next week. He could face additional charges.
Anyone with information can call the Albemarle Police Department tip line at 704-984-9511.
‘Wish I could’ve done more’
Justin Carver hasn’t slept much since he learned his daughter, Baylee was presumed dead. It’s gotten worse as he’s discovered more about Biles.
“I’ve been hearing he’s been abusive,” he said.
Carver said Baylee had been living with her maternal grandmother since January. Now, he’s focusing on the good memories of her.
“Very like me,” he said. “Hardheaded, try to take a negative situation and turn it into positive, try to laugh and smile a lot.”
Carver continues to search for his daughter’s remains with family and friends.
“I wish I could’ve done more,” he said.
As he lives a parent’s worst nightmare, Carver is thankful for the community’s help with the search.
“I just want to find her. If anybody can help me, find her,” he said.
(WATCH BELOW: Several local, county, state departments join search for Albemarle teen’s remains)
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