9-Year-Old Charlotte Sena Who Vanished From New York State Park Found Safe And Man Linked To Ransom Note Arrested

MOREAU, N.Y. — Police announced on Monday that a 9-year-old girl, Charlotte Sena, who went missing during a family camping trip in upstate New York was found “safe and in good health” after a massive two-day search and the arrest of a suspect in her abduction.

Charlotte Sena vanished early Saturday evening while pedaling her bicycle in Moreau Lake State Park, a heavily forested area approximately 35 miles (60 kilometers) north of Albany.

At a press conference on Monday evening, Governor Kathy Hochul stated that investigators could identify a fingerprint from a ransom note allegedly left by Craig Nelson Ross Jr., 47.

Monday at 4:20 a.m., while Charlotte’s family remained at the campground where she was last seen, someone placed a note in their mailbox, according to the officer. Hochul stated that the second fingerprint taken from the note matched Ross, who was in a database from a 1999 DWI case.

She stated that law enforcement agents tracked Ross to a property owned by his mother, gained entry, and located him in a camper at approximately 6:30 p.m.

“After some resistance, the suspect was apprehended, and the child was immediately discovered in a cabinet,” Hochul said. “She was aware of her rescue. She was confident that she was in good care.”

Police announced on Monday that a 9-year-old girl, Charlotte Sena, who went missing during a family camping trip in upstate New York, was found “safe and in good health”.

As customary, Hochul said, Charlotte was taken to a local hospital, adding that she appeared physically unharmed and that she and her family have been reunited.

Hochul stated that accusations have not yet been filed against Ross but are anticipated. Hochul stated that Ross was still being questioned as of Monday night.

The governor identified Ross as the suspect late Monday night, and it was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Authorities stated that the investigation was ongoing.

The rescue signaled the conclusion of a frantic search. Monday, approximately 400 individuals, including forest rangers, police officers, and firefighters, participated in the search for the missing girl. The search scope spanned 46 linear miles (74 linear kilometers).

Charlotte, a fourth-grader from nearby Greenfield, was riding her cycle with other children around a campsite loop in the park when she decided to ride the loop again by herself. Hochul stated in a Sunday briefing that her parents became concerned when she did not return after 15 minutes.

Saturday at 6:45 p.m., the girl’s mother dialed 911 after discovering her bicycle.

Officials issued an Amber Alert on Sunday morning following an exhaustive search because “an abduction was a distinct possibility,” according to state police lieutenant colonel Richard Mazzone. The alert characterized her as a white girl with blonde hair and green eyes who stands approximately 1 meter and 4 feet 6 inches tall.

The girl’s family appealed to the public for assistance locating Charlotte, including providing the state police with any information.

“Like any parent, we simply want her returned safely,” the family said in a statement released Monday morning. Please call if you have any information, regardless of its size.

Troopers had established multiple checkpoints along the winding rural roadways surrounding the park. They asked drivers if they knew the family, had seen the girl’s photo, or had any other information that could aid the investigation. They also required certain drivers to open their trunks.

The park remained closed due to the search, and officials asked those who showed up hoping to assist to stay away and leave the search to the experts. For the safety of law enforcement air operations, federal authorities also issued a provisional flight restriction above the park.

The Corinth Central School District stated that additional counselors are available at Charlotte’s elementary school for pupils or faculty members who require assistance.

“Our hearts go out to the Sena family,” the district stated.

SOURCE – (AP)