Charlotte Sena updates: Police explain 14-hour delay in Craig Ross’ arrest
New York State Police has defended a trooper’s failure to arrest Craig Ross after he allegedly delivered a ransom note at Charlotte Sena’s family home.
Ross, 46, was charged with first-degree kidnapping after Charlotte was found hidden in a cabinet in a campervan at the back of his mother’s house, almost 48 hours after she was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York.
His arrest came after he drove to the home of Charlotte’s parents and left a ransom note in their mailbox at around 4.20am on Monday. Fingerprints pulled from the note matched Mr Ross’ - they were on the state’s database from a 1999 DUI arrest.
Mr Ross was arrested nearly fourteen hours after the note was delivered.
A spokesperson for NYSP told Fox News Digital that the trooper tasked with surveilling the Senas’ home didn’t arrest Mr Ros because his presence did not seem unusual amid the many visits that the family received from members of the community.
“Like many other instances where families are experiencing something traumatic, we anticipated there would be a flow of constant traffic in front of the house throughout the night to show support for the family,” the spokesperson said.
Key points
Charlotte Sena found alive after 9-year-old went missing on camping trip
Police name suspect after missing girl found
Suspect ‘drove to Charlotte’s home and put ransom note in mailbox'
Suspect Craig Ross Jr, 47, charged with kidnap of girl, 9, found hidden in campervan
State Police defend trooper’s failure to arrest Craig Ross immediately after he allegedly delivered ransom note
Thursday 5 October 2023 21:11 , Andrea Blanco
A spokesperson for NYSP told Fox News Digital that the trooper tasked with surveilling the Senas’ home didn’t arrest Mr Ros because his presence did not seem unusual amid the many visits that the family received from members of the community.
“Like many other instances where families are experiencing something traumatic, we anticipated there would be a flow of constant traffic in front of the house throughout the night to show support for the family,” the spokesperson said.
Craig Ross was arrested in 2017 over choking incident, records show
Thursday 5 October 2023 17:57 , Andrea Blanco
Officials initially only revealed Mr Ross’s arrest in 1999.
NYSP has since confirmed to The Independent that Mr Ross was arrested five years ago over a domestic dispute. According to the law enforcement agency, the unnamed victim accused Mr Ross, who then lived in Corinth, of applying pressure on their throat during an altercation on 21 April 2017.
“Ross Jr. was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Wilton for processing,” a spokesperson for NYSP said in a statement. “He was arraigned at the Moreau Town Court and released on his own recognizance.”
It is unclear whether the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office followed through with the case or dropped the charges, but public court records do not show a pending case against Mr Ross over the 2017 incident. The Independent has reached out to the DA’s office for comment.
The NYSP said it could not only comment on reports of pending investigations involving Mr Ross.
“New York State Police will not confirm, deny, or provide any information concerning investigations that did not result in criminal prosecution,” the agency said.
Amber Hagerman: The little girl whose tragic murder prompted a lifesaving system
Thursday 5 October 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco
The Amber Alert system has been credited with the safe recovery of 1,029 children between its implementation in 1997 and 2020.
The system was named in honour of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old Texas who was murdered after being abducted in 1996.
Amber’s body was found four days after she was kidnapped while riding her bike in Arlington.
Twenty-seven years on from the tragedy, a suspect has yet to be arrested for the crime.
Every state in the US has Amber Alert plans in place to help find children who are missing and potentially in danger.
They are joined by Washington and Puerto Rico.
Everything we know about Charlotte Sena’s abduction
Thursday 5 October 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco
Charlotte Sena vanished after going for a solo bike ride on Saturday evening in upstate New York. Two days later she was found hidden in a campervan and a 47-year-old suspect has been charged with her kidnap.
Martha McHardy reports:
What we know about Charlotte Sena’s disappearance
Moreau Lake State Park still closed as investigation continues
Thursday 5 October 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
The state park where nine-year-old Charlotte Sena was kidnapped on Saturday remains closed as the investigation into her abduction continues.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservations told CBS that the park will remain “closed indefinitely due to law enforcement activity.”
WATCH: NY kidnapping suspect could face more charges
Thursday 5 October 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco
Why didn’t police arrest Craig Ross after he allegedly delivered the note?
Thursday 5 October 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
The fingerprint match came hours after the ransom note was left inside the Senas’ mailbox.
It is unclear why the trooper tasked with surveilling the Senas’ home did not approach Mr Ross immediately after he allegedly delivered the note — or why at least the suspect was not followed.
The Times Union reports that the office’s actions are being reviewed by New York State Police, but allegations of mishandling the investigation have not been raised within the agency.
What do we know about the ransom note?
Thursday 5 October 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco
According to police, officers saw someone drop a note in the mailbox at 4.20am Monday, the governor said. At the time, Charlotte’s family was at the campground while police watched their home in Greenfield.
State police pulled fingerprints off the note and the second one matched Mr Ross, who was in a database from a 1999 DWI case.
Law enforcement agents linked Ross to the property owned by his mother, where they found him in the camper.
“After some resistance, the suspect was taken into custody and immediately the little girl was found in a cabinet,” Gov Hochul said. “She knew she was being rescued. She knew that she was in safe hands.”
The governor said that Charlotte was found unharmed and was transported to a hospital for a standard checkup. She was reunited with her family.
It remains unclear what exactly was written on the ransom note allegedly delivered by Mr Ross, but according to records obtained by CNN, the note allegedly demanded $50,000 from the nine-year-old’s family in exchange for her safe return.
Sources close to the investigation have now also told the AlbanyTimes Union that Mr Ross Jr may have forced the nine-year-old to write the note herself.
Does Craig Ross have a criminal history?
Thursday 5 October 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco
Officials initially only revealed Mr Ross’s arrest in 1999.
NYSP has since confirmed to The Independent that Mr Ross was arrested five years ago over a domestic dispute. According to the law enforcement agency, the unnamed victim accused Mr Ross, who then lived in Corinth, of applying pressure on their throat during an altercation on 21 April 2017.
“Ross Jr. was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Wilton for processing,” a spokesperson for NYSP said in a statement. “He was arraigned at the Moreau Town Court and released on his own recognizance.”
It is unclear whether the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office followed through with the case or dropped the charges, but public court records do not show a pending case against Mr Ross over the 2017 incident. The Independent has reached out to the DA’s office for comment.
The NYSP said it could not only comment on reports of pending investigations involving Mr Ross.
“New York State Police will not confirm, deny, or provide any information concerning investigations that did not result in criminal prosecution,” the agency said.
WATCH: Charlotte Sena reunited with family in New York
Thursday 5 October 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco
Kidnap suspect used to live just two minutes from Charlotte Sena’s home, records show
Thursday 5 October 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco
The man accused of snatching nine-year-old Charlotte Sena once lived just two minutes away by car from her current family home, according to records.
Craig N Ross Jr, 46, was charged on Tuesday with kidnapping in the first degree in connection with Charlotte’s abduction on 1 October. New York State Police raided a property owned by Mr Ross’s mother in the Town of Milton, Saratoga County, on Tuesday evening and found the little girl inside a campervan parked behind the home.
Mr Ross was taken into custody following some resistance and is currently being held at the Saratoga Correctional Facility, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said during a press conference following Charlotte’s rescue. The child, who was found “unharmed” and hiding inside a cabinet, has since been reunited with her family.
Andrea Blanco reports:
Kidnap suspect used to live just two minutes from Charlotte Sena’s home, records show
Authorities ask the public to submit surveillance video from around the time of Charlotte Sena’s abduction
Thursday 5 October 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco
Police have asked members of the public to come forward with surveillance video from around the time of the abduction of nine-year-old Charlotte Sena.
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police asked the public to come forward with video footage during the hours of 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm on Saturday from the following roads:
Old Saratoga Road in the Town of Moreau
Route 9 South of Old Saratoga Round in the Towns of Moreau and Wilton
Ballard Road near Corinth Mountain Rd in the Town of Wilton
Corinth Mountain Rd in the Towns of Wilton and Corinth
Spier Falls Road in the Towns of Corinth and Greenfield
North Greenfield Road in the Town of Greenfield
Middle Grove Road in the Town of Greenfield
Route 29 in the Town of Milton
Barret Road in the Town of Milton
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact mrobinson@saratogacountyny.gov.
Charlotte Sena abductor may have made her write own $50k ransom note
Thursday 5 October 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco
New details have now emerged about the contents of the ransom note and who may have written it.
According to court documents obtained by CNN, the note allegedly demanded $50,000 from the nine-year-old’s family in exchange for her safe return.
Sources close to the investigation have now also told local paper Times Union that Mr Ross Jr may have forced the nine-year-old to write the note herself.
The Independent’s Martha McHardy reports:
Charlotte Sena abductor may have made her write own $50k ransom note
Will Craig Ross face more charges?
Thursday 5 October 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco
Mr Ross is currently facing charges of kidnapping in the first degree.
The suspect was arraigned overnight in town court in Milton. He is being held without bail at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.
Authorities said that more charges are expected pending the ongoing investigation.
He is expected to appear in court on Friday morning.
Charlotte Sena is home safe and her alleged kidnapper is in jail. But several questions remain
Wednesday 4 October 2023 22:00 , Andrea Blanco
New York State Police announced on Monday night that Craig Ross, 46, of Ballston Spa, was arrested in connection with the kidnapping. Charlotte was found in a cabinet inside the suspect’s camper, which was parked behind his mother’s property.
“She’ll be going home. That’s the story,” Governor Kathy Hochul said during a press conference following Charlotte’s rescue. “Charlotte will be going home.”
As the investigation into the case that captured the country’s attention continues to unfold, many questions remain regarding the circumstances surrounding the terrifying apparent abduction.
Read more:
Charlotte Sena is safe and Craig Ross Jr is in jail. But several questions remain
Moreau Lake State Park still closed as investigation continues
Wednesday 4 October 2023 21:00 , Andrea Blanco
The state park where nine-year-old Charlotte Sena was kidnapped on Saturday remains closed as the investigation into her abduction continues.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservations told CBS that the park will remain “closed indefinitely due to law enforcement activity.”
Amber Hagerman: The little girl whose tragic murder prompted a lifesaving system
Wednesday 4 October 2023 20:23 , Andrea Blanco
The Amber Alert system has been credited with the safe recovery of 1,029 children between its implementation in 1997 and 2020.
The system was named in honour of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old Texas who was murdered after being abducted in 1996.
Amber’s body was found four days after she was kidnapped while riding her bike in Arlington.
Twenty-seven years on from the tragedy, a suspect has yet to be arrested for the crime.
Every state in the US has Amber Alert plans in place to help find children who are missing and potentially in danger.
They are joined by Washington and Puerto Rico.
Charlotte Sena’s alleged abductor may have forced nine-year-old to write own $50k ransom note
Wednesday 4 October 2023 19:28 , Andrea Blanco
The suspect in the alleged abduction of Charlotte Sena may have forced the nine-year-old to write her own $50,000 ransom note, according to reports.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was charged with first-degree kidnapping after Charlotte Sena was allegedly found hidden in a cabinet in a campervan at the back of his mother’s house on Monday evening almost 48 hours after she was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York, on Saturday evening.
The suspect’s arrest came after he drove to the home of Charlotte’s parents and left a ransom note on Monday morning.
“He literally drove up to the family’s mailbox assuming they were not home,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, adding that Charlotte’s parents were still at the campground at Moreau Lake State Park at the time, and officers who were monitoring the family home had been sent to another call in the area.
The note allegedly demanded $50,000 from the nine-year-old’s family in ransom for her, court documents obtained by CNN revealed.
But Ross Jr may have forced the nine-year-old to write the note herself, local paper Times Union reported, citing sources close to the investigation.
GoFundMe for Charlotte Sena’s family raises $43,000
Wednesday 4 October 2023 18:20 , Andrea Blanco
A fundraiser started by the family of rescued nine-year-old Charlotte Sena has received more than $40,000 in donations as of Wednesday morning.
“Any donations will go directly to her parents to help with expenses while they spend time together as a family and transition back into some sense of normalcy,” the child’s aunt Jene Sena wrote in the description of the GoFundMe. “The funds raised will allow them to be together to heal and not worry about missed paychecks.”
Suspect once lived two minutes away from Charlotte’s family home, records show
Wednesday 4 October 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco
Craig N Ross Jr, 46, was taken into custody following some resistance and is currently being held at the Saratoga Correctional Facility, Gov Kathy Hochul said during a press conference following Charlotte’s rescue. The child, who was found “unharmed” and hiding inside a cabinet, has since been reunited with her family.
Authorities have not determined whether the abduction was targeted or if the suspect previously knew the victim or her family, Gov Hochul said. Records show that an address listed for Mr Ross in Porter Corners is just a two-minute drive from the Senas’ residence in Greenfield.
Mr Ross lived at the residence until last year, according to records. News footage showed heavy police presence at that location as well as at the residence of Mr Ross’ mother in Ballston Spa.
Craig Ross was arrested on domestic abuse charges in 2017, police say
Wednesday 4 October 2023 16:40 , Andrea Blanco
New York State Police confirmed to The Independent on Wednesday that Mr Ross was arrested on 21 April 2017 following a physical domestic dispute.
According to NYSP, the unnamed victim accused Mr Ross, who then lived in Corinth, of applying pressure on their throat during an altercation.
“Ross Jr. was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Wilton for processing,” a spokesperson for NYSP said. “He was arraigned at the Moreau Town Court and released on his own recognizance.”
Charlotte Sena abductor may have made her write own $50k ransom note
Wednesday 4 October 2023 16:12 , Andrea Blanco
New details have now emerged about the contents of the ransom note and who may have written it.
According to court documents obtained by CNN, the note allegedly demanded $50,000 from the nine-year-old’s family in exchange for her safe return.
Sources close to the investigation have now also told local paper Times Union that Mr Ross Jr may have forced the nine-year-old to write the note herself.
The Independent’s Martha McHardy reports:
Inside the search to find missing Charlotte Sena
Wednesday 4 October 2023 15:30 , Martha Mchardy
Charlotte Sena’s alleged abductor taunted the nine-year-old’s parents with a ransom note before law enforcement tracked the little girl down to a campervan round the back of his mother’s house, according to authorities.
The nine-year-old girl was found alive and safe on Monday – almost exactly 48 hours after she was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York, on Saturday evening.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, has now been charged with first-degree kidnapping and is being held at Saratoga County jail.
Rachel Sharp reports:
Charlotte Sena’s alleged abductor Craig Ross Jr taunted parents with ransom note
ICYMI: Craig Ross Jr charged with first-degree kidnapping of Charlotte Sena
Wednesday 4 October 2023 15:00 , Martha Mchardy
The 47-year-old suspect who allegedly snatched nine-year-old Charlotte Sena from an upstate New York campsite and then taunted her parents with a ransom note has now been charged with her kidnap.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was charged with first-degree kidnapping in the early hours of Tuesday morning and appeared for his arraignment in Milton Town Court, according to local outlet Times Union.
He was then booked into the Saratoga County jail at around 3.40am on Tuesday morning where he is being held without bail.
Rachel Sharp reports:
Craig Ross Jr charged with first-degree kidnapping of Charlotte Sena
Charlotte Sena went missing from a New York campsite. 48 hours later she was rescued from her alleged abductor
Wednesday 4 October 2023 14:40 , Martha Mchardy
Charlotte Sena vanished after going for a solo bike ride on Saturday evening in upstate New York. Two days later she was found hidden in a campervan and a 47-year-old suspect has been charged with her kidnap.
Martha McHardy reports:
What we know about Charlotte Sena’s disappearance
Did Craig Nelson Ross Jr know Charlotte Sena?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 14:20 , Martha Mchardy
Authorities have not established whether the suspect knew Charlotte and her family previous to the abduction. Mr Ross, who was described as a mailman by WNYT, owns a vehicle that was registered to an address in close proximity to the Sena’s home.
Investigators will spend the following days conducting interviews to determine if and how the abduction was targeted, according to Gov Hochul.
“It’s not been determined that the suspect was known to the family. That is what will be revealed after more extensive questioning,” she said.
“The vehicle registered to the suspect, the address in the database was two miles from Charlotte’s home but it is not known at this point whether he knew her or had her under surveillance for a length of time.”
Authorities ask the public to submit surveillance video from around the time of Charlotte Sena’s abduction
Wednesday 4 October 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco
Police have asked members of the public to come forward with surveillance video from around the time of the abduction of nine-year-old Charlotte Sena.
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police asked the public to come forward with video footage during the hours of 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm on Saturday from the following roads:
Old Saratoga Road in the Town of Moreau
Route 9 South of Old Saratoga Round in the Towns of Moreau and Wilton
Ballard Road near Corinth Mountain Rd in the Town of Wilton
Corinth Mountain Rd in the Towns of Wilton and Corinth
Spier Falls Road in the Towns of Corinth and Greenfield
North Greenfield Road in the Town of Greenfield
Middle Grove Road in the Town of Greenfield
Route 29 in the Town of Milton
Barret Road in the Town of Milton
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact mrobinson@saratogacountyny.gov.
Who is Craig Nelson Ross Jr?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 13:40 , Martha Mchardy
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was named as the suspect in the disappearance of nine-year-old Charlotte Sena.
He was arrested on Monday at his campervan around the back of his mother’s house.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, he was charged with first-degree kidnapping and appeared for his arraignment in Milton Town Court.
He was then booked into Saratoga County jail at around 3.40am where he is currently being held without bail.
Police are attempting to determine if the Sena family was known to the suspect.
At a press conference on Monday evening, New York Governor Kathy Hochul revealed the address connected to the suspect’s vehicle was two miles from Charlotte’s home in Greenfield, New York.
Police are also questioning Mr Ross Jr to determine if he had the nine-year-old under surveillance, Governor Hochul said.
The governor also said the suspect’s home is being searched by police to make sure he is not connected to any other cases.
Mr Ross Jr was identified by authorities after he drove to the home of Charlotte’s parents and left a ransom note on Monday morning, Governor Hochul said.
“He literally drove up to the family’s mailbox assuming they were not home,” Ms Hochul said, adding that Charlotte’s parents were still at the campground at Moreau Lake State Park at the time, and officers who were monitoring the family home had been sent to another call in the area.
Police later tested the note for fingerprints and searched law enforcement databases for a match.
A match later came back as belonging to the 47-year-old suspect.
How did the abduction of Charlotte Sena unfold in such a short window of time?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 13:20 , Martha Mchardy
Charlotte vanished while riding her bike on Saturday (30 September) at Moreau Lake State Park, a heavily wooded area some 35 miles north of Albany.
State police issued an Amber Alert the following day because “it was quite possible that an abduction had taken place,” Lt Colonel Richard Mazzone said during an earlier press conference. About 400 people took part in the search for Charlotte, including forest rangers, police officers and firefighters.
The girl’s family pleaded with the public for help in finding Charlotte, including providing any tips to the state police.
“We just want her returned safely like any parent would,” the family said in a statement earlier Monday. “No tip is too small, please call if you know anything at all.”
According to a timeline released by authorities, Charlotte asked to go on a solo bike ride at around 6.15pm. Gov Hochul said Charlotte wanted to “be that big girl, do it by herself,” after spending the day riding her bike with other children.
When she failed to return in the next 15 minutes, the little girl’s parents and other campers at the scene started searching for her in the woods. At around 6.45pm, Charlotte’s bike was found abandoned near loop A, and just two minutes later her mother placed a 911 call to report her missing.
The question remains as to whether the suspect had been observing Charlotte and her family before the abduction unfolded and how he was able to allegedly carry out the kidnapping and leave the park grounds without raising suspicions in less than 30 minutes.
Suspect once lived two minutes away from Charlotte’s family home, records show
Wednesday 4 October 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco
Craig N Ross Jr, 46, was taken into custody following some resistance and is currently being held at the Saratoga Correctional Facility, Gov Kathy Hochul said during a press conference following Charlotte’s rescue. The child, who was found “unharmed” and hiding inside a cabinet, has since been reunited with her family.
Authorities have not determined whether the abduction was targeted or if the suspect previously knew the victim or her family, Gov Hochul said. Records show that an address listed for Mr Ross in Porter Corners is just a two-minute drive from the Senas’ residence in Greenfield.
Mr Ross lived at the residence until last year, according to records. News footage showed heavy police presence at that location as well as at the residence of Mr Ross’ mother in Ballston Spa.
What was the suspect’s motive?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 12:40 , Martha Mchardy
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declined to answer questions about a potential motive in the kidnapping. She said that Mr Ross Jr was not a registered sex offender.
Officials have not revealed previous offences, other than Mr Ross’s arrest in 1999 for a DWI offence.
Will Craig Ross Jr face more charges?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 12:20 , Martha Mchardy
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, is currently facing charges of kidnapping in the first degree.
The suspect was arraigned overnight in town court in Milton. He is being held without bail at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.
Authorities said that more charges are expected pending the ongoing investigation.
Charlotte Sena is home safe and her alleged kidnapper is in jail. But several questions remain
Wednesday 4 October 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco
New York State Police announced on Monday night that Craig Ross, 46, of Ballston Spa, was arrested in connection with the kidnapping. Charlotte was found in a cabinet inside the suspect’s camper, which was parked behind his mother’s property.
“She’ll be going home. That’s the story,” Governor Kathy Hochul said during a press conference following Charlotte’s rescue. “Charlotte will be going home.”
As the investigation into the case that captured the country’s attention continues to unfold, many questions remain regarding the circumstances surrounding the terrifying apparent abduction.
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco Reports:
Charlotte Sena is safe and Craig Ross Jr is in jail. But several questions remain
Craig Nelson Ross Jr seen in mugshot
Wednesday 4 October 2023 11:40 , Martha Mchardy
Questions remain over why suspect was not arrested when he delivered ransom note
Wednesday 4 October 2023 11:20 , Martha Mchardy
Questions remain over why the suspect in the alleged abduction of Charlotte Sena was not arrested when he delivered a ransom note the the home of the nine-year-old’s parents in the early hours of Monday morning.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was arrested 14 hours later when police linked a fingerprint left on the note to the suspect, and charged with first-degree kidnapping.
According to police, officers saw someone drop a note in the mailbox at 4.20am Monday, New York governor Kathy Hochul said.
At the time, Charlotte’s family was at the campground while police watched their home in Greenfield.
The suspect then drove away in his pickup truck without being stopped, Times Union reported.
Sources close to the investigation told Times Union there has been no allegation that the trooper charged with watching the house mishandled the incident but an investigation has been to determine whether the suspect should have been arrested at the time.
It is unclear if the officer was at the house at the time or if the officer saw the suspect deliver the ransom note.
State Police leaders and Gov.Kathy Hochul said they would not comment on the incident due to an “ongoing investigation.”
WATCH: How New York police found missing Charlotte Sena
Wednesday 4 October 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
Suspect was ‘arrested in his underwear'
Wednesday 4 October 2023 10:40 , Martha Mchardy
The suspect in the alleged abduction of Charlotte Sena was arrested in his underwear, according to reports.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was charged with first-degree kidnapping after Charlotte Sena was allegedly found hidden in a cabinet in a campervan at the back of his mother’s house on Monday evening almost 48 hours after she was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York, on Saturday evening.
The suspect was arrested after he was identified by a fingerprint left on a ransom note he delivered to Charlotte’s parents’ home in the early hours of Monday morning.
Law enforcement agents then linked Ross Jr to the property owned by his mother, where they found him in the campervan, and arrested him.
The suspect was arrested by members of a specially trained police tactical unit while clothed in his underwear, Times Union reported, in a trailer on the Barrett Road property where his mother, Joan, lives in an adjacent mobile home.
Charlotte Sena’s alleged abductor may have forced nine-year-old to write own $50k ransom note
Wednesday 4 October 2023 10:20 , Martha Mchardy
The suspect in the alleged abduction of Charlotte Sena may have forced the nine-year-old to write her own $50,000 ransom note, according to reports.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was charged with first-degree kidnapping after Charlotte Sena was allegedly found hidden in a cabinet in a campervan at the back of his mother’s house on Monday evening almost 48 hours after she was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York, on Saturday evening.
The suspect’s arrest came after he drove to the home of Charlotte’s parents and left a ransom note on Monday morning.
“He literally drove up to the family’s mailbox assuming they were not home,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, adding that Charlotte’s parents were still at the campground at Moreau Lake State Park at the time, and officers who were monitoring the family home had been sent to another call in the area.
The note allegedly demanded $50,000 from the nine-year-old’s family in ransom for her, court documents obtained by CNN revealed.
But Ross Jr may have forced the nine-year-old to write the note herself, local paper Times Union reported, citing sources close to the investigation.
Kidnapped in minutes and missing for two days: Charlotte Sena case timeline
Wednesday 4 October 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco
A suspect is now behind bars in a county jail in connection to the kidnapping of nine-year-old Charlotte Sena from a campsite in upstate New York.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 46, was arrested on Monday evening and charged with first-degree kidnapping in a chilling case that was described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
The terrifying ordeal unfolded began on Saturday evening when Charlotte was riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, during a family camping trip.
When she failed to return – and her bike was found abandoned – her parents raised the alarm.
What followed next was 48 hours of growing fears for her safety as law enforcement feared she was in “imminent danger”.
The Independent’s Martha McHardy reports:
Timeline of Charlotte Sena’s kidnap and rescue
Kidnap suspect used to live just two minutes from Charlotte Sena’s home, records show
Wednesday 4 October 2023 09:30 , Martha Mchardy
The man accused of snatching nine-year-old Charlotte Sena once lived just two minutes away by car from her current family home, according to records.
Craig N Ross Jr, 46, was charged on Tuesday with kidnapping in the first degree in connection with Charlotte’s abduction on 1 October. New York State Police raided a property owned by Mr Ross’s mother in the Town of Milton, Saratoga County, on Tuesday evening and found the little girl inside a campervan parked behind the home.
Mr Ross was taken into custody following some resistance and is currently being held at the Saratoga Correctional Facility, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said during a press conference following Charlotte’s rescue. The child, who was found “unharmed” and hiding inside a cabinet, has since been reunited with her family.
Andrea Blanco reports:
Kidnap suspect used to live just two minutes from Charlotte Sena’s home, records show
‘She’ll be going home. That’s the story,’ Gov says
Wednesday 4 October 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
In a statement released on Monday evening, New York govenor Kathy Hochul said: “We are overjoyed at the news that Charlotte Sena has been located safely this evening after an intense days-long search. Our hearts are with her family as they welcome her home.
“Thank you to the New York State Police, New York Park Police and all who worked so tirelessly to find Charlotte. It is because of their efforts that Charlotte will be able to return home safe to her family.”
She added: “This is a very good day. It’s been a long two days, but tonight our prayers have been answered. We are overcome with relief and gratitude for this gift to all of us. And it is the people standing here with me, they remind me why I’m so proud to be the governor of the state, incredible men and women who were relentless in their pursuit of finding this little girl.”
“[I]t’s a traumatic event for the family, and certainly Charlotte. And we’ll continue to keep this family in our prayers as they heal. But she’ll be going home. That’s the story. Charlotte will be going home.”
Suspect demanded money from the victim’s family, according to court records
Wednesday 4 October 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco
Gov Hochul said that Craig Ross, 46, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping in the first degree in connection with the abduction. Law enforcement rescued Charlotte from a cabinet inside Mr Ross’ campervan, which was parked behind his mother’s property on Barret Road, Town of Milton.
Mr Ross, who is being held without bond at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, was linked to the kidnapping after he allegedly wrote and delivered a ransom note at the Sena’s residence. According to an arraignment memorandum, the note was written with “the intent to compel the payment of monies as ransom for [Charlotte.]”
Police reveal potential link between Charlotte Sena and her alleged kidnapper
Wednesday 4 October 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco
At a press conference on Monday evening, New York Governor Kathy Hochul revealed the address connected to the suspect’s vehicle was just two miles from Charlotte’s home in Greenfield.
Police are still attempting to determine if the Sena family was known to the suspect, the governor said, and will spend Tuesday interviewing Mr Ross to determine if he had the nine-year-old under surveillance.
The Independent’s Martha McHardy reports:
Police reveal eerie link between Charlotte Sena and her alleged kidnapper
WATCH: Charlotte Sena reunited with family in New York
Wednesday 4 October 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco
Charlotte’s family releases heartfelt statement following her safe return home
Wednesday 4 October 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco
The family of nine-year-old Charlotte Sena, who was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York, on Saturday evening, have said they are “thrilled” at her rescue.
“We are thrilled that she is home and we understand that the outcome is not what every family gets,” Charlotte’s aunt, Jené Sena, said in a statement to The Messenger.
“A huge thank you to the FBI, the New York State Police, all of the agencies that were mobilized, all of the families, friends, community, neighbors and hundreds of volunteers who supported us and worked tirelessly to bring Charlotte home.”
Kidnapping suspect who left ransom note also gave police a clue — his fingerprints
Wednesday 4 October 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco
A fingerprint on a ransom note led police to a kidnapping suspect’s camper in New York where 9-year-old Charlotte Sena was found hidden in a cabinet, ending a two-day search sparked by the girl’s disappearance during a family camping trip, officials said.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr., 46, was arrested Monday at the camper parked at his mother’s house, Gov Kathy Hochul announced at a news conference late Monday.
Police said more charges are expected against Ross, whose age was initially given as 47.
A message seeking comment was left with the Saratoga County Public Defender’s Office, which represented Ross at his arraignment.
Mapped: Where Charlotte Sena went missing
Wednesday 4 October 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco
Before she went missing, Charlotte was last seen at around 6.15pm on Saturday evening riding her bike in Loop A of Moreau Lake State Park, according to Lt Col Richard Mazzone of the New York State Police.
The nine-year-old was later found hidden in a cabinet in a campervan behind the suspect’s mother’s residence.
Does Craig Ross have a criminal history?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco
Gov Hochul declined to answer questions about a potential motive in the kidnapping. She said that Mr Ross was not a registered sex offender.
Officials have not revealed previous offences, other than Mr Ross’s DUI arrest in 1999. The Independent has reached out to New York State Police for comment.
Mr Ross is currently facing charges of kidnapping in the first degree.
The suspect was arraigned overnight in town court in Milton. He is being held without bail at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.
Authorities said that more charges are expected pending the ongoing investigation.
Taunting ransom note, a campervan and hidden in a cabinet
Wednesday 4 October 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco
Charlotte Sena’s alleged abductor taunted the nine-year-old’s parents with a ransom note before law enforcement tracked the little girl down to a campervan round the back of his mother’s house, according to authorities.
The nine-year-old girl was found alive and safe on Monday – almost exactly 48 hours after she was snatched while riding her bike in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, upstate New York, on Saturday evening.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, has now been charged with first-degree kidnapping and is being held at Saratoga County jail.
Rachel Sharp reports:
Charlotte Sena’s alleged abductor Craig Ross Jr taunted parents with ransom note
Neighbour recounts confrontation with Craig Ross earlier this year
Wednesday 4 October 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco
Carol Brown, a neighbour of Mr Ross’ mother, recounted the moment a local SWAT team surrounded the property in the quiet neighbourhood and rescued Charlotte.
“I’ve been praying for 48 hours since I got the first Amber Alert,” Ms Brown told CBS News. “The entire road lit up with police officers, helicopter overhead. Just like out of a movie.”
Ms Brown also claimed that earlier this summer, she had an incident with Mr Ross involving her young grandson.
She said she confronted Mr Ross, who was reportedly towering over her grandchild.
“And standing over him, right over him, with his back to me, was that man,” Ms Brown said. “And I believe with all my heart after last night that probably my grandson was this close...”
Charlotte Sena kidnapper’s ransom note details revealed as suspect is held without bail
Wednesday 4 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco
Craig N Ross Jr, who is being held without bond at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, was linked to the kidnapping after he allegedly wrote and delivered a ransom note at the Sena’s residence.
According to an arraignment memorandum, the note was written with “the intent to compel the payment of monies as ransom for [Charlotte.]”
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco reports:
Charlotte Sena kidnapper’s ransom note details revealed
WATCH: Analyst says suspect’s criminal background was ‘stroke of luck’ in Charlotte Sena’s rescue
Tuesday 3 October 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco
Police work to determine whether suspect knew Charlotte Sena
Tuesday 3 October 2023 22:15 , Andrea Blanco
The governor said that Charlotte was found unharmed and was transported to a hospital for a standard checkup.
She was later reunited with her family.
“It’s not been determined that the suspect was known to the family. That is what will be revealed after more extensive questioning,” Gov Kathy Hochul said during a press conference on Monday
“The vehicle registered to the suspect, the address in the database was two miles from Charlotte’s home but it is not known at this point whether he knew her or had her under surveillance for a length of time.”
Authorities ask the public to submit surveillance video from around the time of Charlotte Sena’s abduction
Tuesday 3 October 2023 21:15 , Andrea Blanco
Police have asked members of the public to come forward with surveillance video from around the time of the abduction of nine-year-old Charlotte Sena.
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police asked the public to come forward with video footage during the hours of 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm on Saturday from the following roads:
Old Saratoga Road in the Town of Moreau
Route 9 South of Old Saratoga Round in the Towns of Moreau and Wilton
Ballard Road near Corinth Mountain Rd in the Town of Wilton
Corinth Mountain Rd in the Towns of Wilton and Corinth
Spier Falls Road in the Towns of Corinth and Greenfield
North Greenfield Road in the Town of Greenfield
Middle Grove Road in the Town of Greenfield
Route 29 in the Town of Milton
Barret Road in the Town of Milton
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact mrobinson@saratogacountyny.gov.
