On August 1, a 12-year-old girl was discovered walking alone on a street in Tallapoosa, Alabama. According to WSFA and local police, Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said the girl had just escaped a man who had allegedly kidnapped her, keeping her tied up for nearly a week.
The child told police she was kept, bound to a bedpost, and drugged with alcohol during her captivity. The man responsible had assaulted her.
Kidnapped 12-Year-Old Escapes Her Captor, What She Tells Police Makes Her a Hero
Sheriff Abbett revealed that they were called to County Road 34 just before 8:30 a.m. on August 1 to reports of the child alone. In order to escape, the child had to chew threw her restraints while she was left alone.
During questioning, the child managed to tell police who held her captive and where. Police then arrested 37-year-old Jose Paulino Pascual-Reyes.
After arresting Pascual-Reyes, a thorough search of his home was completed. During the search, police discovered two decomposing bodies. The identifications of those bodies have not yet been revealed and it’s unclear how long the bodies had been in the mobile home.
In a press conference, Abbett called the child “a hero.” “She’s safe now,” Abbett told reporters. “And we want to keep her that way.”
In terms of the child’s relationship to the suspect, police have not yet disclosed that information to the public. Abbett was steadfast in making sure the 12-year-old’s identity remains concealed.
The child has since received medical attention and is believed to be expected to make a full physical recovery. “That’s all I can actually say,” Abbett told reports.
Reports reveal the child was not reported as a missing person. It’s unclear where the 12-year-old is now.
Pascual-Reyes is now being held on three counts of capital murder after two decomposing bodies were found, as well as one count of first-degree kidnapping. He is currently awaiting his bond hearing in Tallapoosa County.
The District Attorney shared that he believes Reyes will face more charges as the ongoing investigation continues.