An intensive search that began Thursday ended Friday when a 13-year-old Georgia girl reported missing was located safe in Jacksonville, Florida, officials said. The alert issued by state authorities — known in Georgia as a Levi’s Call — was canceled after investigators said the immediate danger to the child had passed.
Where the case began
Authorities issued the alert after the girl, identified as Layla Alexis Nubian Carter, was last seen about 1 a.m. at a residence on James Drive in Baxley. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation had warned that she was believed to have been taken and could be in extreme danger, a threshold that triggers the statewide warning.
Recovery and custody update
Law enforcement said the girl was found in Jacksonville, Florida. Officials also reported that two people were taken into custody in connection with the case. Investigators have not released the location where Layla was found, nor have they confirmed whether the named suspect, 32-year-old Giavannie Alexis Carter, is among those detained. The GBI said the investigation is ongoing.
What authorities circulated
When the Levi’s Call went out Thursday, authorities provided detailed descriptions and a possible vehicle to prompt tips from the public. The GBI asked residents statewide to be on the lookout for the listed pair and the vehicle described.
- Missing child: Layla Alexis Nubian Carter, 13; blonde braided hair; brown eyes; about 5 feet 2 inches; last seen wearing pajama bottoms and a T-shirt.
- Named suspect: Giavannie Alexis Carter, 32.
- Vehicle: Gray Jeep Renegade, Georgia plate SLU9322.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Last seen | James Drive, Baxley — about 1 a.m. Thursday |
| Found | Jacksonville, Florida — reported Friday |
| Custody | Two people taken into custody; identities and connections not fully disclosed |
Officials credited a rapid public response and investigative leads with helping bring the alert to a swift resolution, though they emphasized that parts of the case remain under investigation. AMBER Alerts — or Levi’s Calls in Georgia — are reserved for situations when law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted and faces a credible threat of harm.
Community impact and next steps
For families in Baxley and surrounding communities, the outcome brings immediate relief but also unanswered questions. Parents and guardians said they welcome the safe recovery while urging law enforcement to provide more clarity on the suspect status to address lingering concerns.
Investigators ask anyone with information that might relate to the case to contact the GBI or local law enforcement. Because the inquiry is ongoing, authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of the disappearance or about the two people taken into custody.
The GBI and local police will likely provide updates as investigators complete interviews and gather additional evidence. In the meantime, community groups and local schools have been reminded to review safety plans and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
This newsroom will continue to follow the investigation and publish new information as it is released by officials.
