“When Christian died, it just took what little will he had left,” Payne continued. “I don’t even feel like I’ve really completely grieved either one of their deaths, because I have been so consumed with wanting to know.” Kerry Payne to CBS42 in 2019.

Christian Boyle's mother Kerry Payne describes the 18-year-old as trusting and always willing to help. She said Christian called her every day, sometimes more than once. In the weeks prior to his December 12, 2017, disappearance, Christian had frequently called checking on his ill father. When the calls stopped coming and the family could not reach Christian via phone or social media, Kerry knew something was wrong.

On Christmas night of 2017, Blount County Sheriff's Office received a tip that Christian's car may be on Cold Branch Road. When investigators arrived, they found Christian shot and killed by his car.

At the time, Blount County Sheriff's Office stated they had two main suspects who were in Jefferson County Jail waiting on a murder trial, but there was not enough evidence to proceed with any charges.

In 2020, Blount County DA Pamela Casey asked the Alabama Attorney General's Office to review the case, and they accepted. There have been no updates since the AG's accepted the case. Christian's case remains open and unsolved.