Missing 14-Year-Old Girl Abducted From Bedroom By Mother’s Ex-Boyfriend
PennLive,com
PennLive,com
On October 21, 14-year-old Isabel Shae Hicks was abducted from her bedroom in Bumpass, VA, by Bruce William Lynch Jr., her mother’s ex-boyfriend. Lynch (33) is believed to be armed and suicidal.
A press statement released by the FBI said that Isabel was kidnapped around 1 a.m. Her sister, with whom Isabel shared a bedroom, woke up Monday morning and discovered that she was missing. She immediately told her parents, who then contacted the police.
On Friday, October 25, an AMBER Alert was issued for Isabel alongside a manhunt for her kidnapper, Lynch. On Monday, October 28, exactly one week after the kidnapping, a Hanover County sheriff’s lieutenant received a service call around 9 p.m. from a resident who had seen them.
Isabel and Lynch had reportedly shown up at a home in the 14000 block of Clazemont Road in Montpelier, VA. The resident mentioned that the encounter only lasted a few seconds, and they did not enter the house. Instead, they disappeared into the woods behind the home.
Shortly after, local authorities had set up a half-mile perimeter and locked down most of the area. According to Hanover Co. Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, “There’s been a very methodical, slow, coordinated search right now in the area… where they were last seen. That’s in the upwards to two miles from the original area.”
Detective Chuck Love of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said camping gear was reported stolen from the home, and it’s assumed that Lynch may be keeping Isabel hidden in locations suitable for camping.
At the time of the abduction, Lynch was driving a blue/silver 2003 Toyota Matrix with a Va. tag VEM9071. He may have switched the tags to VA UXW3614 or 249-9UT.
Isabel Hicks is 4’1″, 120 lbs, with long straight hair, blonde hair, and blue eyes. She has a birthmark on the inside of her right leg and her ears are pierced.
Lynch has been described as 5’10”, 190 lbs, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a beard, although it has been reported that he has recently shaved to help conceal his identity. It’s also been reported that Isabel and Lynch are wearing dark clothing or camouflage.
Authorities believe Lynch is in possession of a 9mm gun and has suicidal tendencies, which could make apprehending him more difficult. Police have advised the public not to approach him. Instead, they are to call their local authorities immediately if they see anything suspicious.
Contact the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office at 804-261-1044 or the FBI Richmond field office at (804) 261-104 if you or anyone you know has any information that could lead to Isabel’s safe return and the apprehension of Lynch.