Charleston – Authorities executed a search warrant at the home of an accused pet thief, but found no evidence of the missing calico cat that a local family desperately seeks to recover.
Surveillance Footage Captures Alarming Incident
Security cameras recorded the moment a silver SUV pulled up near a Church Street residence on January 15. A person stepped out, approached the sidewalk where four-year-old Willa lounged, and quickly scooped up the 17-pound calico before driving away.
Minutes later, another video from a nearby gym on Wentworth Street showed the same vehicle stop abruptly. A cat appeared on the dashboard, prompting the driver to grab the animal, remove its collar embedded with an AirTag, and discard the items on the road. The AirTag pinged there around 4 a.m. the next day, alerting Willa’s owners to the discarded tracker.
The footage emerged after the Layfield family gathered clips from neighbors, businesses, and even a downtown school. They traced the vehicle to an Uber Eats delivery of Greek food to a nearby home around 5:30 p.m. that evening.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Offers No Clues
Police identified Katy Barnes, a 38-year-old Goose Creek resident and Uber Eats driver, as the suspect. Officers arrested her on January 24 for petit larceny related to the theft. She posted $2,125 bail the following day and declined to discuss Willa’s whereabouts with investigators.
Days later, on January 28, authorities charged Barnes with littering for dumping the collar and AirTag. She spent another night in the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center before release on a personal recognizance bond. A background check revealed no prior criminal record in South Carolina.
Uber swiftly deactivated her account and cooperated with law enforcement. The company expressed hope that Willa would soon reunite with her family.
Layfields’ Determined Hunt for Their ‘Mayor’
Daniel and Liza Layfield, parents to 13-year-old twins Virginia and Daniel, adopted Willa three years ago after rescuers found her abandoned on Edisto Island. The long-haired beauty with white fur accented by brown and black patches earned the nickname “Mayor of Church Street” for her friendly porch vigils.
The family launched a vigorous campaign, plastering flyers across the area, rallying social media support, and canvassing for tips. Pet Helpers offered a $1,000 reward, supplemented by the Layfields’ own incentive for information leading to Willa’s safe return – no questions asked.
- Microchipped for identification
- Known nicknames: Potato, Willa Billa, Big’Uns
- Frequently spotted on the home’s piazza or steps
- Last confirmed sighting: Porch at 5:30 p.m. on January 15
Daniel Layfield discovered the AirTag in the street and urged compassion from anyone with knowledge. Liza Layfield described the void left in their home, appealing directly to potential witnesses near Goose Creek apartment complexes.
Broader Concerns Over Pet Thefts by Delivery Workers
This case highlights occasional reports of delivery drivers taking pets during stops. Charleston police continue investigating, asking for tips at 843-452-2204 or BringOurWillaHome@gmail.com.
Despite the home search turning up empty, the family holds out hope amid dropping temperatures that threaten the outdoor cat.
Key Takeaways
- A search warrant at suspect Katy Barnes’ residence revealed no trace of Willa.
- Surveillance linked an Uber Eats SUV to the theft and collar disposal.
- Rewards total over $2,000 for the microchipped calico’s return.
As the search enters its third week, the Layfields’ resolve underscores the profound bonds between pets and owners. Will Willa return home? Share your thoughts in the comments.
