NEW CASTLE, DE — Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged two men in connection with an alleged kidnapping and vehicle theft that took place on November 29, 2023.
The suspects, identified as 42-year-old Randy Purnell of New Castle and 35-year-old Aaron Douglas of Laurel, were apprehended in Philadelphia later that same day. Following a thorough investigation, New Castle County Detectives issued arrest warrants for both men.
On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Aaron Douglas was extradited to Delaware and brought to the New Castle County Police headquarters. He faced arraignment on several charges, which include one felony count each of second-degree kidnapping, first-degree conspiracy, and motor vehicle theft, along with one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and subsequently released on his own recognizance.
Meanwhile, Randy Purnell remains in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting further proceedings.
At this stage, these charges are allegations. Both Purnell and Douglas, like all accused individuals, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. An arrest or a criminal complaint does not constitute a declaration of guilt.
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