What started as a night out in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood ended in tragedy for the family of Taylor "Tay" Sylver. The 38-year-old, described by relatives as the "glue of the family," was shot and later died, leaving a large, close-knit clan reeling and calling for action to curb gun violence.
Police say Sylver was shot just after 2 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, on the 3200 block of North Davidson Street in NoDa. She was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Detectives are treating the case as a homicide, according to WBTV.
Less than 24 hours after the shooting, authorities say they tracked down 26-year-old Adaysia Yahel Coles in Birmingham, Alabama. She was arrested, extradited to Charlotte, and charged with murder, WCCB reported.
Search Warrant and Video Trace Night’s Final Moments
A search warrant filed by detectives outlines what witnesses say happened after the women left a NoDa bar. According to the warrant, the two were involved in a physical altercation, then both returned to their vehicles. Investigators say Coles drove up next to Sylver and shot her. WSOC-TV reported that surveillance video from inside the bar helped detectives identify Coles, and that investigators later sought a warrant for the gun they believe was taken back to an apartment on Dahlia Drive.
Family Pushes Back on ‘Fight Over a Man’ Rumors
Sylver’s brother, Morris, has pushed back against the swirl of online speculation about what sparked the confrontation. He said his sister "would never fight over a man" and believes some media accounts have misstated the cause of the conflict. He described Taylor as the seventh of nine children and the one who held everyone together, adding that he plans to speak out against gun violence, according to the Charlotte Observer.
How to Help Investigators
Detectives have asked anyone with information or video related to the case to contact the CMPD Homicide Unit tip line at 704-432-8477 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, WSOC-TV noted. Law enforcement officials also said partners in Alabama helped locate the suspect and that Coles will be processed in Mecklenburg County for prosecution, WCCB reported.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs as relatives and neighbors mourn Sylver’s death. The case remains under investigation, and police continue to urge witnesses to come forward.
