Family, friends and leaders from the Racial Justice Network chartered a bus on July 26 to Charlotte to demand information about their missing loved one, Allisha Watts, 39, of Moore County.
According to a noon report on July 26 from WCNC, the police have not released details on the investigation. The family said the police had not told anyone the whereabouts of the man found unconscious in Anson County in Watts’ black Mercedes-Benz SUV.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department had not responded to Sandhills Sentinel’s request for comment at the time of publication.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department issued a press release on July 25: “Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Missing Person Unit are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 39-year-old Allisha Dene Watts. Ms. Watts was last seen on July 16, 2023, leaving a residence on Pamela Lorraine Drive. She was seen in her black 2023 Mercedes Benz GLC 300, possibly heading towards Moore County. The vehicle was located on July 18 in Anson County, however, the victim’s whereabouts are still unknown. The victim is currently missing and family members are concerned for her safety. Anyone with information on Watts’ whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.”
“They’re not telling us anything,” Learen Blue said about the police not telling them anything about Watts’ investigation.
“Too often, Black females become missing and don’t have the attention a white female has,” a man said about the police not releasing information. “It may be the perpetrator’s family knows something. Please, come forward.”
A prayer vigil was held in Southern Pines Tuesday.
Allisha Watts. Photo from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
The family asked the public to call 800-694-1981 with tips.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department number for missing persons is 704-336-2311.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the case. 910-947-2931.
Feature photo: Family, friends and leaders from the Racial Justice Network demand information about their missing loved one, Allisha Watts, 39, at a Charlotte press conference at 12:16 on July 26, 2023, taped by WCNC.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel journalist Stephanie M. Sellers; BS Mass Communications and Journalism MFA Creative Writing.
