Virginia couple arrested after 5-year-old nonverbal daughter is found dead in South Carolina waters

Key Points:

• A Virginia couple, John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes, were arrested in Tennessee and charged with unlawfully placing their 5-year-old autistic, nonverbal daughter, Saylor Hayes, at risk after her body was found in South Carolina waters following her disappearance.
• Saylor was reported missing on Sunday, and despite wearing a Project Lifesaver tracking device designed to prevent wandering, the device had been removed prior to the family's arrival in South Carolina, and she was left unsupervised near water.
• The parents allegedly misled search efforts by encouraging use of the tracking device while knowing Saylor was not wearing it and directed searches away from nearby water where her body was ultimately found.
• Authorities emphasized the child's vulnerability and the responsibility of her caregivers, with Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver calling the incident a "heartbreaking tragedy" and pledging to seek justice and protect vulnerable community members.
• The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the Project Lifesaver device was found at the family home in Virginia, highlighting that it requires physical cutting to remove, indicating deliberate removal before Saylor went missing.