Missing Louisiana Girl Found in Pennsylvania Basement

Police in Pennsylvania have rescued a missing 13-year-old girl who was found alive, hidden inside a box in a suspect’s basement, according to reports. Pittsburgh authorities arrested 26-year-old Ki-Shawn Crumity last week and charged him with human trafficking, sexual assault, and several related offenses.

According to a criminal complaint, the girl disappeared from her home in Baker, Louisiana, around October 20 after connecting with Crumity on Snapchat. “This child was groomed, exploited, and then sexually abused by strangers who found her online,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “It’s yet another example of the real dangers of social media and human trafficking.”

Investigators say the teenager traveled by Greyhound bus to Pittsburgh, where she was allegedly given cannabis-infused edibles and repeatedly assaulted over the course of a week. The complaint also states the girl was forced to sleep in a basement with Crumity and a woman.

Authorities tracked the victim’s movements across several states before Pittsburgh police, acting on a federal tip, located her hidden in a box in Crumity’s basement in the city’s Brighton Park neighborhood. After being rescued, she was hospitalized, and officials confirmed that evidence of sexual assault was recovered.

Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. Ronald Smith, 62, was taken into custody in Columbus, Georgia, on charges including kidnapping, while Alvin Hanson, 64, was arrested in New Orleans for allegedly contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Investigators say more arrests could follow as the case continues to unfold.

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