NC family of missing teen whose remains found after 5 years get some answers, but not the why
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Five years after her disappearance, the case of Laniyah Whitted, a Fayetteville teenager reported missing in 2021, has reached a breakthrough with the discovery of her remains and an arrest in her murder.
On Thursday, Cumberland County sheriff's deputies recovered human remains in a wooded area of Fayetteville. Authorities later confirmed the remains belonged to Whitted, who was 17 when she was last seen in November 2021.
Kabron Thaggard, 22, appeared in Cumberland County Detention Center court Tuesday afternoon.
Thaggard is being charged with first-degree murder and concealing a body.
He was already in custody for separate armed robbery charges.
Thaggard entered the courtroom with little expression, even glancing over at Whitted's family, who sat in the front row visibly emotional.
Prosecutors said Thaggard and Whitted, who were dating, had a domestic dispute on Nov. 19, 2021.
"She was shot in the head as a result of that domestic dispute," said Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West.
Whitted's family last saw her when they dropped her off at Cape Fear High School on Nov. 16, 2021. She was reported missing a week later on Novemeber 23rd.
"She had goals that she wanted to meet, and it was taken within a split second. Over what, we don't know why," said her aunt, Ashley Whitted.
The family endured years of uncertainty and heartbreak.
Ashley Whitted recounted the moment authorities confirmed the remains were Laniyah's.
"They identified Laniyah with her dental work from the remains that was left out in the grave."
Reflecting on the loss, Ashley Whitted said, "What could we have did to save it? But we don't have that anymore. We don't have the option. And he didn't give us a choice. Selfish, but she'll be always forever serving. So, yeah, that's my baby."
The family searched tirelessly, including on Laniyah's birthday, March 8, near Deep Creek Road.
In June, after new evidence surfaced, deputies searched the woods and Cape Fear River but found nothing.
Last Friday, Chopper 11 captured video of human remains being found in a wooded area where the family had searched months earlier.
"If we would have went to the left and walked over to the right, we might have discovered her that day. But we went to the right. So, you know, I just think that was with us just shielding us," Ashley Whitted said.
Nicole Walton, another aunt, recalled: "We had the search party and we walked down the street, you know? Well, you know, trying to find something."
Ashley Whitted said she wants Laniyah to be remembered for who she was. "She's forever my 17. Yeah. And that's how we look at it, full of energy."
Five years have passed since Whitted disappeared, but the pain remains for her family.
Thaggard is being held without bond.
