In a gripping turn of events, 9-year-old Charlotte Sena, who had been reported missing from Moreau Lake State Park in New York over the weekend, has been safely found. Authorities are now holding a suspect in custody in connection with her disappearance.
Charlotte's sudden disappearance from the state park where she was last seen biking prompted a massive search operation. The New York State Police announced the arrest of a suspect on Monday night after the child was discovered in healthy condition. Subsequent to her rescue, Charlotte underwent a medical evaluation at a local hospital.
Swift Arrest: 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr. in Custody
The case took a dramatic twist in the early hours when, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul, state police observed a man leaving a ransom note in the Sena family mailbox. After ruling out their first person of interest, forensic investigators found a match with fingerprints from a 1999 DWI arrest. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr., was apprehended by state and federal tactical teams in Milton.
Governor Hochul detailed the moment of the rescue during a news briefing, revealing that upon storming a camper positioned behind Ross's mother's trailer, the child was found concealed in a cabinet. The suspect was captured after showing some resistance.
Charlotte's aunt, Jene Sena, expressed immense relief to Fox News Digital upon hearing the news of her niece's safe discovery, stating, "We are just elated she came home." The child has since been reunited with her family at the hospital.
Patrick Kane, a family friend, had parked his vehicle opposite the park's entrance, hopeful for positive news about Charlotte. "God's going to bring her back home," he confidently asserted hours before Charlotte was eventually found. His faith in the young girl's return was unwavering.
The governor joined the chorus of relief, articulating her joy at Charlotte's safety. In a statement, she expressed gratitude towards the New York State Police and other agencies for their relentless pursuit, attributing Charlotte's safe return to their hard work.
Read Also : Four Missing Children From Amazon Plane Crash May Still Be Alive as Rescuers Found Footprint, Eaten Fruit
The Hours Before Charlotte's Disappearance
Before her disappearance, Charlotte was last spotted biking on Loop A within Moreau Lake State Park at about 6:15 p.m. on Saturday. It took just half an hour before she was reported missing. Following her sudden disappearance, an Amber Alert was sent out, highlighting the severe risks she might be facing.
While the search was underway, officials lauded Charlotte as a compassionate young girl who often looked out for others. The state police described her as a "bright and adventurous girl" who cherished outdoor activities. Highlighting her kind nature, they mentioned her aspiration to establish a club at her school to support children without friends, always prioritizing the needs of others.
Authorities continue to probe deeper into the circumstances surrounding Charlotte's disappearance. They encourage anyone with pertinent information to reach out to the New York State Police or contact their crime tip email.
For the family, friends, and community members who had been on tenterhooks since Charlotte's disappearance, her safe return is undoubtedly a profound relief. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of community support and law enforcement in such challenging times.
