Moreau Lake State Park, New York – After two days of frantic search, 9-year-old Charlotte Sena, who went missing from Moreau Lake State Park on Saturday evening, has been found safe. New York State Police announced on Monday night that a suspect has been taken into custody over the incident. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, Sena was discovered in a cabinet covered and has been taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The search for Sena began when she was last seen biking on Loop A in Moreau Lake State Park at around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday. She was reported missing around 30 minutes later, sparking a statewide Amber Alert. The alert stated that Sena may have been taken under circumstances that suggested she was in imminent danger of serious harm or death.
State police were immediately alerted and began a thorough investigation, while hundreds of community members, including family and friends, joined in the search. People from neighboring towns and cities also came to help in the search. The community was left shocked by Sena’s disappearance, describing her as a kind and thoughtful girl who loved being outdoors and always looked out for other children.
After two days of extensive search operations, authorities were able to identify a suspect in the case. According to Hochul, state police saw a man drop a ransom note in the Sena family mailbox at around 4:20 a.m. on Monday. The note sparked suspicion and was immediately checked for fingerprints. The prints were then matched to a 1999 DWI arrest in Saratoga County, leading investigators to identify the suspect as 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr. just a few hours later.
State and federal tactical teams were called in, and the suspect was found in a camper behind his mother’s trailer in Milton. After some resistance, Ross was taken into custody, and Sena was found in a cabinet, alive and safe. She was immediately taken to a local hospital, where she was reunited with her family.
The news of Sena’s discovery was met with joy and relief by her family and the community. Jene Sena, Charlotte’s aunt, expressed her happiness to Fox News Digital Monday evening, saying, “We are just elated she came home.”
Hochul also expressed her joy at the news, stating, “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 tirelessly to find Charlotte.” She also emphasized the bravery and dedication of all those involved in the search and investigation.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward. The community is also being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incident has highlighted the importance of staying vigilant and keeping an eye out for each other, especially when it comes to the safety of children.
People from all over the state were relieved to hear of Sena’s safe return and the swift action taken by law enforcement. The community came together to show their support for the Sena family and to express their gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to bring her home. The governor’s statement read, “It is because of their efforts that Charlotte will be able to return home safe to her family.”
