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Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for kidnapping 13-year-old Kennewick girl in 2021
By Morgan Huff,
2 days ago
KENNEWICK, Wash. -- A 35-year-old man who kidnapped a 13-year-old girl in 2021 was sentenced to 20 years in prison and life supervision.
Officials said Lucas Murphy, 35, was sentenced to 20 years Thursday, August 15 after a hearing in Federal Court at 2:30 p.m.
During the hearing, Murphy's team said he "felt like a monster" after the discovery of the 13-year-old girl and his mental state was poor when the kidnapping happened.
His defense team said Murphy's mental health problems were known at the time of the crime but he had stopped taking medication and going to counseling. It was also noted this was his first time doing any crime to this extent.
In 2021, Murphy was communicating with the 13-year-old girl over social media and pretended to be 21-years-old. Police received a report of a missing girl on December 19, 2021.
Police said Murphy drove the girl to New Mexico before being arrested in Los Lunas, New Mexico on December 22, 2021.
Officials said the girl was found safe and was returned to Kennewick shortly after.
Murphy's original charges faced were first degree kidnapping with sexual motivation, second degree attempted rape of a child, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes, according to Kennewick police.
There will be a restitution hearing on October 3rd at 3:30 p.m. which Murphy's presence was waved unless he can attend via Zoom.
Original Coverage:
KENNEWICK, Wash. — A 13-year-old girl from Kennewick is safe after Lucas Murphy, 35, kidnapped her and brought her to New Mexico, according to the Kennewick Police Department.
The Kennewick Police Department says Murphy was taken into custody Wednesday night in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Police also say the girl from Kennewick was found safe.
Murphy was communicating with the 13-year-old Kennewick girl over social media, appearing to be 21-years-old, according to Kennewick police.
The Kennewick Police Department received a report of a runaway involving the 13-year-old on December 19.
Police say Murphy allegedly drove to Kennewick and took the girl back to New Mexico.
The Kennewick Police Department coordinated with law enforcement agencies in Los Lunas and obtained an arrest warrant for Murphy.
Police say Murphy was arrested around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday and the 13-year-old girl was found safe.
Law enforcement in New Mexico is making sure the 13-year-old is returned safely to Kennewick, according to police.
Lucas Murphy was booked into Valencia County Jail for first degree kidnapping with sexual motivation, second degree attempted rape of a child, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes, according to Kennewick police.
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