Saylor Hayes’ Parents Arrested After 5-Year-Old’s Death

• Saylor Hayes was only 5 years old
• Her parents were arrested
• Her tracker was 300 miles away

The parents of Saylor Hayes, a 5-year-old girl found dead in South Carolina, were arrested in Tennessee as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

John Herb Hayes III, 70, and Geordyn Nichole Hayes, 31, face charges related to unlawfully placing a minor at risk and willfully abandoning her.

The arrests occurred Tuesday in Carter County, Tennessee, one day after search teams found Saylor’s body in the water near Hagley Landing.

The girl disappeared Sunday while staying with her family at a rental home in the Pawleys Island area, according to authorities.

Authorities Investigate Why Saylor Was Not Wearing Tracker

Arrest warrants state that the parents failed to provide adequate supervision and protection for a girl described as “severely non-verbal,” with autism and a known affinity for water.

Saylor participated in Project Lifesaver, a program that helps authorities locate vulnerable people who may wander because of cognitive conditions or other special needs.

However, the transmitter she was supposed to wear had been removed before the family’s trip and was more than 300 miles from where she disappeared.

Virginia authorities found the device inside a vehicle at the family’s Washington County residence, where Saylor had been enrolled in Project Lifesaver since June 2024.

Arrest Warrants Reveal New Allegations Against Saylor Hayes’ Parents

According to the arrest warrants, after Saylor’s body was found, the couple allegedly encouraged search teams to use the tracking system despite knowing that the girl was not wearing the transmitter.

The parents are also accused of directing the search away from the water, a significant allegation because authorities knew about the girl’s affinity for that environment.

Project Lifesaver explained that its transmitters emit unique radio frequencies that allow specially trained personnel to locate missing people.

The device is designed to remain securely in place, and according to program officials and authorities, the band should not detach accidentally.

Project Lifesaver Explains How Tracker Band Is Removed

“They cut the band to do it because it’s very hard to access it deliberately,” explained Nora Firestone, Project Lifesaver’s marketing director. “The band is also very hard to remove. So, they cut it.”

Lieutenant James Ketcham, Project Lifesaver coordinator in Georgetown County, described a similar procedure for removing the device.

“We actually have to cut the band with scissors to access the battery,” Ketcham said. “So, once we put it on, someone has to cut it physically.”

Authorities have not reported when the transmitter was removed or why it remained in Virginia while Saylor traveled with her family to South Carolina.

Sheriff Says Tracker Could Have Accelerated Search

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported that the battery in Saylor’s transmitter had been successfully replaced on August 11.

“It’s essential to understand that Project Lifesaver is a voluntary program. A parent, guardian, or caregiver is responsible for ensuring the transmitter remains correctly secured to the user,” the office noted.

“The transmitter is placed using a specialized band designed for continuous use. The user cannot simply unclip or remove it; the band must be physically cut to remove the transmitter.”

Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis said the system had worked as designed.

“What makes this situation especially heartbreaking is that Saylor didn’t have her transmitter with her when she disappeared,” Andis said.

“If Saylor had been wearing her Project Lifesaver transmitter, we believe the technology could have helped search teams locate her much sooner. Although no technology can guarantee an outcome, every minute counts when a vulnerable child or adult goes missing.”

Georgetown Sheriff Defends Arrests After Saylor’s Death

Georgetown Sheriff Defends Arrests After Saylor’s Death

Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver called the girl’s death a tragedy and explained the reasons behind the parents’ arrests.

“Saylor Hayes’ death 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.”

“Parents and caregivers have the fundamental responsibility to protect children who cannot protect themselves. When evidence establishes probable cause to believe a child was illegally placed in circumstances that endanger their safety, law enforcement has the responsibility to act.”

“Saylor was a vulnerable 5-year-old girl who depended on the adults responsible for her care and protection. She deserved to be safe. She deserved to be protected.”

“These arrests are based on the evidence developed during this investigation and applicable legislation. They should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

“Nothing we do can bring Saylor back. What we can do is seek the truth, demand accountability through our justice system, and continue doing everything within our authority to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Saylor’s Parents Will Be Extradited to South Carolina

Once the extradition process is complete, John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes will be transferred to Georgetown County.

Authorities emphasized that the charges and arrests do not constitute a guilty verdict and that both parents are presumed innocent throughout the judicial process.

The investigation into Saylor’s death remains open, including questions about the circumstances in which her transmitter was removed and why it remained in Virginia.

Washington County authorities said they will continue cooperating with South Carolina investigators but will not release additional information about the device’s removal or location at this time.

How Project Lifesaver Works and Who Is Responsible for Tracker

Project Lifesaver uses a small transmitter that emits a unique radio frequency to help authorities locate vulnerable people who may wander because of cognitive conditions or other special needs.

The device is designed to be worn continuously and secured with a specialized band that the user cannot simply open or remove.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office explained that the parent, guardian, or caregiver is responsible for ensuring that the transmitter remains properly secured.

According to authorities and Project Lifesaver representatives, the band must be physically cut to remove the device.

In Saylor Hayes’ case, authorities said the transmitter was not with her when she disappeared but was instead inside a vehicle at her family’s Virginia residence.

Sheriff Blake Andis emphasized that although no technology can guarantee an outcome, “every minute counts when a vulnerable child or adult goes missing.”

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SOURCE: ABC News / News 13 / 4WYFF