Man accused of kidnapping 14-year-old girl faces new charges

Man accused of kidnapping 14-year-old girl faces new charges
Man accused of kidnapping 14-year-old girl faces new charges
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — The man accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl from Memphis is facing new charges.

Diego Velasquez-Espino, who is already charged with kidnapping, fugitive from justice, and statutory rape in Mississippi, appeared in Southaven Municipal Court Wednesday.

Espino’s attorney, Victoria Washington, and Southaven Chief Prosecutor William B. Seale said the new charges have not been announced yet.

Diego velasquez-espino

When Diego Velasquez-Espino entered the courtroom, he was much quieter than he was at last month’s court appearance.

Several of the defendant’s family members appeared in court, but cameras were not allowed inside.

Police said Espino abducted the Parkway Village teen at gunpoint on Feb. 21.

Hours after a Statewide Amber Alert was issued, officers found the missing teen at Espino’s home along Stateline Road, just east of Southaven.

The reported crime sent shockwaves in the victim’s neighborhood.

According to the Shelby County Criminal Justice System Portal, Espino is charged with aggravated kidnapping, four counts of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, and possession of a firearm/dangerous felony.

Seale said there are still no updates on Espino’s extradition to Shelby County.

The suspect has not entered a plea for the DeSoto County charges, and he’s expected to remain in the Desoto County jail for the time being.


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