The body of the missing 15-year-old Upperman student with ties to DeKalb County was discovered in a wooded area East of Cookeville in Putnam County by Putnam County Road Department employees. The discovery has led to the arrest of a 63-year-old man, charged with second-degree murder and aggravated rape.

On October 26, 2022, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Charles “Chuck” Carter for Aggravated Statutory Rape of Olivia Daryl Taylor, who was a juvenile that was reported missing that same day. He was later charged with murder and abuse of a corpse following an investigation.

According to Putnam Sheriff’s officials, Carter provided illegal narcotics to Taylor, which caused her death.

“This tragic event is another example of what illegal drugs coming across our border into our country is doing to our nation,” said Sheriff Eddie Farris. “Last year, there were over 100,000 deaths from fentanyl related overdoses.”

The Putnam County Schools district also released a statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Olivia Taylor. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the students, faculty and staff at Upperman High School and surrounding Baxter community schools.”

Carter is being held at the Putnam County Jail without bond.

The funeral services for Taylor were held on Monday, October 31,