A 9-year-old girl who was abducted by Craig Ross Jr. in upstate New York was held captive for two days before law enforcement officers were able to rescue her. Ross Jr. was sentenced to 47 years to life in prison for his crimes, which included multiple felonies such as first-degree kidnapping. The girl’s family referred to her as a survivor, not a victim, and praised her bravery in helping to secure her captor’s conviction. The girl’s aunt described her as a hero for her ability to recount every detail of her ordeal to investigators.
Law enforcement agencies at every level, from local police to the FBI, were involved in the search for the missing girl. The community was on edge during the days that she was missing, waiting to see if she would be found alive. Officers and federal agents were able to locate her and apprehend Ross Jr., the kidnapper, all within 47 hours of her abduction. The girl’s courage and detailed account of the events were instrumental in ensuring that Ross Jr. was brought to justice.
The girl’s family expressed their gratitude to all of the first responders and law enforcement officers involved in the case, but particularly praised the young survivor for her bravery. Despite her traumatic experience, the family emphasized that she is a survivor who will overcome this ordeal. The survivor’s mother and uncle read victim impact statements in court, while Ross Jr. remained silent. The judge handed down a sentence that is likely to keep Ross Jr. in prison for the rest of his life.
Neighbors of Ross Jr. described the dramatic raid rescue operation that led to the survivor’s safe recovery. The rescue involved flash-bangs and a raid that resembled a scene from a movie. The neighbors saw the rescued girl and expressed relief and jubilation at her safe recovery. Ross Jr.’s son, who expressed anger and hatred towards his father, echoed the sentiments of many who hoped that Ross Jr. would be held accountable for his crimes.
Ross Jr., now convicted of child kidnapping, faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison. Despite the trauma inflicted on the survivor, her family takes solace in knowing that justice has been served and that Ross Jr. will be behind bars. The survivor’s courage in confronting her captor and ensuring that he faced the consequences of his actions has been praised by her family and the community. The case has come to a close, with the perpetrator facing a lengthy prison sentence as the survivor and her family focus on healing and moving forward.
