Man charged with murder of missing Stanly County woman, unborn child

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — Investigators said they have charged a suspect with the murder of a woman who has been missing for months and her unborn child.

Officials said Joseph Rhodes is charged with two counts of murder.

(Rhodes)

Investigators issued a Silver Alert for 25-year-old Sasha Naylor last week. They said she was last seen in August along Kates Drive in Albemarle.

(Naylor)

Detectives told Channel 9 they believe Rhodes, who was Naylor's boyfriend, killed her and her unborn child sometime last year and covered it up.

Channel 9’s camera was there after detectives charged Rhodes. He claimed he’s being falsely accused.

Naylor was officially reported missing on Jan. 14 when concerned family members who live in Ohio reached out saying they hadn’t seen or heard from her.

The search intensified Feb. 22. Detectives learned new information about medical conditions that would qualify Naylor for the Silver Alert. They were also concerned because she was reportedly supposed to give birth to her baby this month.

During the investigation, officers said they learned Naylor’s car was set on fire in Marshville in August.

Detectives said they still haven’t found her body but will continue to search.

"The main thing is, I hope with this there's closure. I know that's the main thing they've been seeking all this time," Sheriff Jeff Crisco with the Stanly County Sheriff's Office said.

Officials said Naylor and Rhodes have another child who lives in Ohio with Naylor’s mother.

Cox Media Group