On Saturday, September 30, 2023 one family faced every parent’s worst nightmare. Their 9-year-old daughter, Charlotte Sena, went missing from Moreau Lake State Park in New York. It was believed she was abducted. Thankfully, she was found just two days later thanks to an important clue. Sena’s alleged kidnapper left fingerprints on the ransom note he left in her family’s mailbox.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr. was arrested on October 2, 2023, in connection with the kidnapping Sena. He tried unsuccessfully to resist arrest.
Charlotte was riding her bike with friends at the time of her alleged abduction. Her family was camping in the state park. Sena decided to do one more lap by herself after her friends called it quits for the day. This is when the unthinkable happened.
Sena’s parents became concerned when she did not return after 15 minutes. They feared the worst. Their fears were well founded.
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On Monday, October 2, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul held a press conference about this terrifying situation. She called the fingerprints on the ransom note a "critical piece of evidence" that helped break the case. According to Hochul, Ross allegedly "literally drove up to the family's mailbox" at 4:20 a.m. on Monday morning to deliver it.
Police were watching the home at the time Ross made his delivery. He accidentally left his fingerprints behind along with the note. Police were able to find out his identity because he was in the system due to a 1999 DWI arrest, which occurred in Saratoga, Florida.
Police quickly jumped into action once Ross was identified. They searched all known properties associated with him. They discovered both Ross and Charlotte in a camper behind Ross’ mother’s home.
Sena was hidden in a cupboard. She did not have any physical injuries, but the trauma of these events will stay with her forever. The family is asking for privacy during this difficult time as they process this horrifying situation. Ross attempted to resist arrest and sustained minor injuries.
