283: Saylor Hayes

This episode covers the heart-wrenching tale of Saylor Hayes, a five-year-old autistic girl reported missing in August 2026. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent death raised numerous red flags about her parents' actions. Saylor was last seen by her parents during a family vacation in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, when she went missing while reportedly left unattended in a car. Her father, John, called 911, expressing concern about his daughter and suggesting she may have wandered toward the water, which is known to attract autistic children.

Following a search, Saylor's body was discovered the next day in nearby waters, leading to the arrest of her parents. The investigation revealed that Saylor's tracking device had been removed prior to the family’s vacation, and both parents had histories of substance abuse and legal troubles concerning child welfare. The episode examines the tension of the ongoing legal proceedings against John and Jordan Hayes, including the potential for more severe charges based on autopsy findings, which concluded there were no immediate signs of trauma but indicated the possibility of drowning. The situation reveals deep complexities surrounding parenting, especially for children with special needs, as well as the dire consequences that can ensue from negligence or worse.