Latest news with #DiegoVelasquez-Espino
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
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. Man accused of kidnapping 14-year-old due in court Espino's attorney, Victoria Washington, and Southaven Chief Prosecutor William B. Seale said the new charges have not been announced yet. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of kidnapping 14-year-old due in court
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old from her Parkway Village home resulting in a city-wide amber alert last week is now set to face a judge Wednesday morning. Diego Velasquez-Espino, 19, is charged with kidnapping, fugitive from justice, and statutory rape in Mississippi. He is currently being held in a DeSoto County jail and will face a Southaven judge. 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. Man charged with aggravated kidnapping in connection to teen's abduction At this time, it is still unclear when he will be extradited to Shelby County. The Memphis Police Department says Espino abducted the teenager from her home off Knightway Road around 7 p.m. on Friday. According to online court records, Espino's home address is listed as a trailer park located in the same area where the child was found — along Stateline Road just west of Southaven. MPD says Espino was armed with a gun at the time of the alleged kidnapping. Missing Memphis teen found in Southaven; suspect in custody A nearby neighbor, relieved the child is home, says her husband watched the investigation unfold and notified her that something was wrong when he noticed a flock of officers outside the house. 'He said 'aw baby come outside. It's something going on.' I came out and the whole block right there was full of police cars,' she said. 'We haven't had anything like that around here. I thank God for that. That that little baby is home.' U.S. Marshals alongside the Southaven Police Department found the child several hours after the alleged kidnapping. Espino was taken into custody at that time. It remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed or not. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
