Charlotte Sena has been found alive and in “good health” after the nine-year-old went missing on a camping trip in upstate New York, police confirmed on Monday evening.
Charlotte disappeared after going on a solo bike ride around Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County on Saturday evening, where she was staying with family and friends.
Her bike was found abandoned in the campsite – with no sign of Charlotte nearby.
On Monday night – almost 48 hours on from her disappearance – New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the little girl had been found safe and that her alleged abductor Craig Nelson Ross Jr, 47, was in custody.
At a press conference, Ms Hochul revealed that the girl’s alleged abductor left a ransom note in the mailbox of her family home.
This note ultimately led investigators to Mr Ross’s campervan around the back of his mother’s house where the little girl was found hidden inside a cabinet.
“She knew that she was being rescued. She knew that she was in safe hands,” the governor said.
No charges have been brought against Mr Ross Jr – but the governor said that “they are fully expected”.
