BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — The mother of kidnapped man received six different phone calls demanding $700 on Jan. 19.
Channel 9 has learned at least one of those calls was recorded by authorities in Burke County.
In her living room, Lanisha Kincaid has several trophies that her son, Carlton Edmondson, 30, earned while in acting school.
Deputies said Edmundson was kidnapped in Burke County.
[Burke County man missing after ransom demand; second arrest made]
"It's agonizing,” Kincaid said. “It's virtually impossible to get up -- to sleep -- to eat, but you do it for him."
Kincaid hasn't heard from her son since last Friday.
Investigators believe Robert and Leigh Katherine Littleton kidnapped him and took him to Tennessee, demanding money from his parents for his safe return.
The couple is accused of holding Edmondson hostage and terrorizing him, according to court documents.
He was beaten and left in the woods in Johnson County, Tennessee, but despite searches, he hasn't been found, investigators said.
Leigh Katherine Littleton was taken into custody in Morganton.
Investigators said they found evidence of a serious assault in Tennessee.
As each day passes, family members become more concerned that Edmondson won't be found safe.
Sheriff deputies and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are working closely on this case.
They haven't gotten the break they need but there's a possibility of more arrests in the case.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Man attacks comedian on stage at SC club after being picked on
- 'Split Diamond' would create major changes for drivers in Huntersville
- North Carolina woman accused in son's Christmas Day shooting death
- WATCH: Keith Monday's Thursday forecast outlook
- Heartbroken friends, coworkers to hold vigil for slain Peach Stand clerk
- Two men shot sitting in car during attempted robbery, police say