A suspect in a kidnapping with a ransom note also left the police with a tip: his fingerprints

Charlotte Sena, 9, was discovered hiding in a cupboard in a suspect’s camper in New York thanks to a fingerprint on a ransom note.

This discovery put an end to a two-day search that began when the girl vanished while on a family camping trip.

Governor Kathy Hochul revealed at a news conference late on Monday that Craig Nelson Ross Jr., 46, was taken into custody at the camper parked outside his mother’s house on Monday.

The state police reported Tuesday that Ross was charged with first-degree kidnapping and was arraigned overnight in Milton, New York’s town court. His detention at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility was without bail.

Ross, whose age was first listed as 47, is anticipated to face more charges, according to police.

The Saratoga County Public Defender’s Office, which represented Ross at his arraignment, has been contacted for comment.

In a very forested location around 60 kilometers (35 miles) north of Albany in Moreau Lake State Park, Charlotte vanished when she was riding her bicycle on Saturday.

Because “it was quite possible that an abduction had taken place,” state police issued an Amber Alert on Sunday, according to Lt. Colonel Richard Mazzone.

400 personnel, including firefighters, police officers, and forest rangers, participated in the hunt for Charlotte.

Charlotte’s relatives begged the public for assistance in locating her, including passing along any clues to the state police.

As any parent would, the family said in a statement early on Monday, “We just want her returned safely.” “No tip is too small; if you know anything at all, please call.”

According to Hochul, Charlotte’s family stayed at the campground as police kept an eye on their house.

At 4:20 in the morning, the police spotted someone placing a message in the mailbox.

The governor stated this on Monday. When state police examined the note’s fingerprints, the second one matched Ross, who was listed in a database from a 1999 DWI conviction.

Ross was discovered in a camper on Ross’ mother’s property, which was connected to Ross by law enforcement, Hochul said.

The young girl was discovered in a cupboard as soon as the suspect was taken into custody, according to Hochul. She was conscious of being saved. She was aware that she was safe.