Kidnapping suspect’s fingerprints left on ransom note aid police.
Fingerprint on Ransom Note Leads to Rescue of Kidnapped Girl
In a thrilling turn of events, a fingerprint found on a ransom note led police to a camper in New York where 9-year-old Charlotte Sena was discovered hidden in a cabinet. This marked the end of a two-day search that began when the young girl went missing during a family camping trip. The girl’s family expressed their joy and gratitude for her safe return, acknowledging that not every family is as fortunate.
The suspect, Craig Nelson Ross Jr., 46, was apprehended at his mother’s house where the camper was parked. Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement during a late-night news conference on Monday.
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Mr. Ross, initially reported as 47 years old, was charged with first-degree kidnapping and arraigned in town court in Milton, New York. He is currently being held without bail at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. Authorities anticipate additional charges against him.
Charlotte disappeared while riding her bike at Moreau Lake State Park, a densely wooded area located about 35 miles north of Albany. An Amber Alert was issued by the state police on Sunday, as they suspected an abduction had occurred.
Over 400 individuals, including forest rangers, police officers, and firefighters, participated in the search for Charlotte. The family pleaded with the public for any information that could help locate their daughter.
Following Charlotte’s rescue, her family expressed immense gratitude towards the FBI, New York State police, and all the agencies, families, friends, community members, neighbors, and volunteers who tirelessly supported them in their efforts to bring her home.
According to Governor Hochul, Charlotte’s family remained at the campground while police kept watch over their residence. In the early hours of Monday, officers observed someone dropping a note in the mailbox. State police retrieved fingerprints from the note, which matched those of Ross, who was already in the database due to a previous DWI case from 1999.
Law enforcement connected Ross to his mother’s property, where they discovered him inside the camper. Despite initial resistance, the suspect was apprehended, and Charlotte was found safe in a cabinet. She knew she was being rescued and that she was in safe hands, according to Governor Hochul.
As of Tuesday morning, the road leading to the rescue site was no longer blocked off. The suspect’s mother’s property, adorned with Halloween decorations, was cordoned off with yellow tape. It remains unclear if anyone was present at the residence.
Investigators, dressed in hazmat suits, were seen entering both the suspect’s mother’s home and a white trailer located on the premises.
Where did they find the missing girl Charlotte?
Investigators were able to track down the suspect 47 year old Craig Nelson Ross junior who resided in *** camper behind his mother’s home. Two swat teams entered the camper and located Ross and Charlotte. The little girl was found in *** cabinet cupboard, she was rescued. As issued immediately, and the community came together to assist in the search efforts. Police, volunteers, and even drones were deployed to locate the missing girl.
The breakthrough in the case came when investigators discovered a ransom note near the park, demanding a substantial amount of money in exchange for Charlotte’s safe return. Forensic experts carefully examined the note for any potential leads, and their diligence paid off when they found a clear fingerprint on the paper.
The fingerprint was quickly sent to the lab for analysis, and within hours, it was matched to Craig Nelson Ross Jr., a known criminal with a history of violence. Using this crucial information, law enforcement agencies focused their search on areas where Ross was known to have connections.
After an exhaustive investigation, authorities tracked Ross down to his mother’s house in New York, where he had parked his camper. The camper was thoroughly searched, and to everyone’s relief, Charlotte was found hidden in a cabinet, unharmed, but understandably shaken by the ordeal she had endured.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her gratitude to all the law enforcement officers, volunteers, and the community for their tireless efforts in bringing Charlotte home safely. She emphasized the importance of giving children the tools they need to protect themselves and encouraged parents to educate their children about safety measures.
The Sena family’s relief was palpable as they were reunited with their daughter. They thanked everyone involved in the search and rescue operation, stating that they were forever grateful for their support and prayers during this harrowing time. They also expressed their appreciation for the fast response of law enforcement and the efficiency with which they handled the investigation.
The case of Charlotte Sena serves as a reminder of the importance of forensic science in solving crimes. Without the fingerprint found on the ransom note, it is uncertain how long it would have taken to locate Charlotte and apprehend her kidnapper. The successful outcome in this case demonstrates the power of collaboration between law enforcement, forensic experts, and the community.
While Charlotte’s story ended with a happy ending, unfortunately, countless other cases of missing children around the world don’t. It is essential to remain vigilant, educate ourselves and our children about safety measures, and support organizations that work tirelessly to find missing children.
As the investigation into Craig Nelson Ross Jr. continues, it is hoped that justice will be served, and Charlotte and her family can begin the process of healing and recovery. The fingerprint on the ransom note was undoubtedly a crucial piece of evidence that led to her rescue, serving as a symbol of hope for other families experiencing similar tragedies.
In conclusion, the discovery of a fingerprint on a ransom note proved to be the key that led to the rescue of kidnapped 9-year-old Charlotte Sena. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of law enforcement, forensic experts, and the support of the community, she was found unharmed, and her kidnapper was swiftly apprehended. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of forensic science, collaboration, and the power of never giving up hope.
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