Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Raping Teen for 9 Months

Kibby let her go convinced he'd 'terrorized' her to the point she wouldn't talk
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 26, 2016 6:58 PM CDT
Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Raping Teen for 9 Months
Nathaniel Kibby listens during his 2014 arraignment on charges he kidnapped a 14-year-old girl and repeatedly raped her over nine months.   (Charles Krupa)

A prosecutor says a man who kidnapped and repeatedly raped a 14-year-old girl let her return to her New Hampshire home after nine months because he was convinced he'd "terrorized her enough" that she wouldn't reveal his identity, the AP reports. Nathaniel Kibby, 35, pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping, rape, criminal threatening, and witness tampering. Prosecutor Jane Young says Kibby returned Abigail Hernandez to her home because he believed she wasn't going to tell the truth. Hernandez is now 17 years old. She told a packed courtroom she thinks daily about the crimes Kibby committed against her. But she also thanked him for freeing her in July 2014.

Prosecutors say Kibby's plea deal calls for him to be sentenced to 45 to 90 years in prison. It also keeps him from facing federal charges. Young says Kibby offered Hernandez a ride home from her school in October 2013 and then brandished a gun when she attempted to get out of his car. Hernandez didn't know Kibby and accepted a ride because she'd worn boots to school and her feet were blistered. Young says when Hernandez tried to get out of the car in a parking lot Kibby pulled out a gun and threatened to "blow her brains out." Young says he also threatened to slit the girl's throat. Prosecutors say Kibby used a stun gun and a shock collar to control Hernandez at his trailer. Kibby had previously pleaded not guilty. (More Abigail Hernandez stories.)

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