Was Charlotte Sena’s kidnapping premeditated?

Accused kidnapper Craig Ross Jr. is believed to have premeditated the abduction of 9-year-old Charlotte Sena from the park she visited with her family. Family friend Patrick Cane suggests Ross might have been aware of the Sena family.

Ross lived close to Charlotte’s family home, approximately two miles away. It’s unclear if Charlotte was specifically targeted or if the abduction was random while she was momentarily alone at Moreau Lake State Park.

Police will investigate if Ross had been stalking Charlotte, assess if he has any history related to child abduction, and interview his family and friends for more information. Although not a registered sex offender, a person with a similar name and age was previously arrested on charges related to criminal obstruction of breathing in 2017. Ross was apprehended after a fingerprint on a ransom note matched one he submitted during a prior arrest in 1999.

Law enforcement teams arrested him at a Ballston Spa address, where he kept a camper behind his mother’s house. Charlotte was found safe and unharmed in a cabinet cupboard. Her parents were notified, and she was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

According to family friend Patrick Cane, Charlotte is in good spirits, a testament to her parents’ support and optimism. Cane attests that her father is an eternally optimistic and fun-loving person. He believes Charlotte will recover well with such a strong support system.

Charlotte’s harrowing experience has sparked concern and outrage across the community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety, even in seemingly secure environments. It also highlights the critical role that quick and effective law enforcement responses play in ensuring the well-being of children. As the investigation continues, authorities will seek to unravel the full extent of Ross’s intentions and any potential history that may shed light on this distressing incident.