CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Family and friends of missing North Carolina woman Allisha Watts gathered in Uptown Wednesday to demand answers from law enforcement in the search for the 39-year-old who hasn't been seen or heard from since making a trip to Charlotte earlier this month.
"We don't know nothing," Cortilous Hill, a cousin of Watts, said. "That's the problem. That's the problem. What we know is when the public finds out. That's why we're here."
Leaders from the Racial Justice Network led a news conference with the group, which chartered a bus from Southern Pines, where Watts is from. Her Mercedes-Benz SUV was found by state troopers at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Anson County on July 18, two days after she was reported missing.
The vehicle was towed to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police headquarters so detectives could search it for evidence.
A man identified as her boyfriend, James Dunmore, was found unresponsive in the vehicle and taken to a hospital. Investigators say there's still no sign of Watts' whereabouts. Detectives have not said if Dunmore is considered a suspect in the case or if any charges are expected.
Her friends and family told WCNC Charlotte that Dunmore had a live-in girlfriend who moved out. They also said that they saw red flags upon meeting Dunmore.
"There were several things he would say or do -- to us, that were controlling -- but to her, it was, 'He loves me,'" Learen Blue, Watts' long-time friend, said.
Hill had a similar impression.
"He came off as a weird individual to me," Hill said. "His eyes -- my sister, when she see him, the first thing that come out of her mouth is 'He got sneaky eyes.'"
Family members said Watts was going to a comedy show at Bojangles Coliseum on the weekend of July 16 and to visit Dunmore. It's unclear if Watts ever made it to that show. CMPD issued a statement Wednesday saying detectives are following all leads in the case.
"There's too many loopholes, too many unanswered questions we have," Blue said. "We just need to know the last place she was at. We now know where they found her car and the unresponsive man in the car. Where is he? Where is Allisha? They're not telling us anything."
WCNC Charlotte is still working to learn if police have questioned Dunmore.
The group planned to go to Anson County since Watts' car was discovered there. A relative told WCNC Charlotte that is the area where they should be digging for answers.
It is on the way to Southern Pines in Moore County.
Candace Brewer, the national president of the Racial Justice Network, said the group is working to form a search party and asked anyone with information to call their hotline immediately at 1-800-694-1981. Brewer said she never met Watts but has been moved by the outpouring of support to find her.
"We're boots on the ground 24/7," Brewer said. "We ask the community, do not hesitate to contact us. Alisha Watts' life matters. She matters to her community."
Watts' friends also called on Anson County investigators to release any information they have, particularly when it comes to where her SUV was found and Dunmore's status.
"Where did you take him?" Blue said. "Did he go to the hospital, did you take him into custody? We don't know. Where is he now? He's the missing piece to the puzzle to find Allisha, so where is James Dunmore?"
WCNC Charlotte confirmed with staff that Dunmore is not at any Atrium or Novant Health hospitals in the area. We obtained his most recent address, knocked on the door, and left a note asking to speak with Dunmore.
CMPD asks anyone with information about this case or the whereabouts of Allisha Watts to call 911 immediately.
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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