MOREAU, NY – Charlotte Sena, a 9-year-old girl who went missing from Moreau Lake State Park in New York over the weekend, has been found safe, according to authorities. The New York State Police confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended in connection with her disappearance. Sena is currently in good health and has been transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
The breakthrough in the case came early in the morning when state police noticed a man dropping something into the Sena family’s mailbox. The item turned out to be a ransom note, which immediately became a crucial piece of evidence. Despite the first person of interest not matching the fingerprints found on the note, the police were able to connect the prints to a 1999 DWI arrest in Saratoga County. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr., who was apprehended 10 hours after he was seen delivering the ransom note.
Following the identification of the suspect, state and federal tactical teams descended on a camper located behind Ross Jr.’s mother’s home in Milton, just outside Saratoga Springs. Despite some resistance, Ross Jr. was taken into custody, and Sena was found hidden inside a cabinet within the camper.
Relatives of Sena expressed their relief at her safe return. “We are just elated she came home,” said Jene Sena, Charlotte’s aunt. After being rescued, Sena was taken to a local hospital where she was reunited with her family.
The incident has left the local community in shock. “This stuff doesn’t happen here,” said Patrick Kane, a family friend who had been waiting for news near the park entrance. Despite the distressing circumstances, Kane remained hopeful, stating, “God’s going to bring her back home.”
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her joy at Sena’s safe return, thanking the New York State Police, New York Park Police, and all those who worked tirelessly to find her. “It is because of their efforts that Charlotte will be able to return home safe to her family,” Hochul said.