Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Contact 90.5 WESA with a story idea or news tip: news@wesa.fm

DNA, Fingerprints Lead To Arrest In 1999 Kidnapping

Authorities say DNA and fingerprints helped lead to an arrest in the kidnapping of a Pennsylvania girl nearly 20 years ago.

Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday provided more details about the investigation that led to the arrest of 50-year-old Timothy Nelson in Cumberland, Maryland, on Tuesday.

Police say Nelson snatched the 10-year-old off the street in Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 19, 1999 and drove her to West Virginia, where she was assaulted. She was later released.

DNA analysis of a brown bag in 2004 linked the case to two unsolved kidnappings in Hagerstown, Maryland. Authorities say they were eventually able to use DNA and fingerprints on the bag to identify a suspect.

Trooper Jeff Brock, who worked the case from the start, says it's about bringing closure.

Nelson is held on $75,000 bail.

(Photo credit: Mike/Flickr)

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.