Convictions for Kidnappings in Park

Two people have been sentenced for their roles in the kidnapping of two Vicksburg teenagers from the park last year. A 39-year-old Texas man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on one count of kidnapping and to 12 years and five months on one count of carjacking (the sentences will be served at the same time).  A 42-year-old South Carolina woman received a nine-year sentence on the same two charges. She also was ordered to participate in a drug rehabilitation program and to receive mental health treatment. The kidnappers was also ordered to pay $4,873 in restitution for damages to the victim's car during the kidnapping. The man and woman were reportedly staying in a hotel near the Mississippi River when, on May 1, 2005, they walked to the Louisiana Circle overlook in the park and forced two teenagers – a boy and a girl – to drive away with them. Authorities said that the teenagers were eating breakfast in a car on a Sunday before going to church. They were reported missing by their families later in the day. The girl’s Dodge Neon was driven to South Carolina, where it was involved in an accident on I-26 near Laurens. The boy was able to free himself and told a state trooper who had responded to the accident that he and the girl were captives. The kidnappers were arrested at the scene.