Michael Devlin Charged with Armed Kidnapping of Shawn Hornbeck
Michael Devlin had already been charged with the kidnapping of William “Ben” Ownby. Now Michael Devlin is being charged with the armed kidnapping of Shawn Hornbeck as well. What will come next?
Washington County, Mo., prosecutor John Rupp said in a statement that Michael Devlin, 41, was charged with kidnapping and armed criminal action. The statement does not name Hornbeck, but uses the initials SCH.
A probable cause statement released by Rupp said Devlin “abducted SCH utilizing force for the purpose of terrorizing the victim. After securing SCH, Michael Devlin flourished a handgun in order to gain compliance of the minor child. Michael Devlin then transported him out of the county and concealed his whereabouts for four years and three months.” (Fox News)
Several life terms possible for Devlin, State, federal officials have claim to case.
ST. LOUIS – The charge Michael Devlin faces in the abduction of William “Ben” Ownby carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Investigators and lawyers familiar with criminal statutes said yesterday he is likely to be named on federal and state charges that could bring additional life terms. (Columbia Daily Tribune)
There will probably be even more charges against Michael Devlin in the future. The question on many peoples minds is did Michael Devlin have a past history of abducting boys that no one knows about? Has he done this before? Police are wondering whether Michael Devlin may be connected in any way to the 1991 disappearance of then age 11, Charles Arlin Henderson. If so, where is Charles Arlin Henderson?
The question has been raised by many as to what causes a hostage to stay with their captor even when they appear to have an opportunity to get away. If Devlin had anything to do with Henderson’s disappearance, is it possible that Hornbeck may have witnessed something and feared for his life? Michael Devlin was a master manipulator and prayed on children’s weaknesses. We must remember these boys were very young when they were kidnapped and threatened with harm. They are not adults, they are children.
UPDATE: Missouri kidnapping suspect pleads not guilty
What a surprise, Michael Devlin pleaded not guilty to kidnapping charges. How ironic and somewhat comical that Devlin’s defense attorney want to have the venue changed stating his client cannot get a fair trial because of the attention that this case has received. The irony being that Michael Devlin was allowed to carry on this secret life in having abducted Shawn Hornbeck because of the no attention he received in this area. Devlin was able to fly under the radar and fool everyone. Now that the tables are turned, Franklin County is unacceptable.
UNION, Mo. – A pizzeria worker pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of kidnapping a 13-year-old boy who was found four days later in the man’s apartment with another boy who had been missing for more than four years.
Devlin stood with his hands folded in front of his stomach, wearing orange jail-issued clothing. He mostly responded to the judge’s questions with yes or no answers and did not make a statement.
Devlin’s defense attorneys told reporters they wanted the case moved from Franklin County.
“There’s no way we can get a fair trial in this county with the amount of attention it’s gotten,” defense attorney Michael Kielty said.
This man is a child predator, who takes control over an innocent childs mind and body to feel big about himself. I truley believe that he will get whats coming to him. “An eye for an eye”, someone WILL take control over him once he goes to prison for life and he will see how it feels. He deserves the Death Penalty. Our judicial system stinks in this country. So many men think they can just take children and do what they want to them and get by with it. That child’s life is ruined for ever, mentally. I hope he fries, and gets his ass kicked in prison where he needs to rot.
Comment by debbie burt | February 1, 2007
How any one could harm a child in this manner is beyond me.My husband was abused as a young teen and he struggles every day with thoughts of suicide. He goes to amounts of therapy and it is finally starting to help. I hope Shawn and Ben get the proper therapy they will so desperately need so that they can have the life that two innocent kids truly deserve.They both seem to be surrounded by amounts of love and understanding, so hopefully they will be alright…in time.
As for this Devlin guy, all I can say is have fun in prison you piece of crap. I’m sure you will be surrounded by amounts of “love” as well. Enjoy.
Comment by Monica Caruana | February 7, 2007
You know….the sad part about Devlin going to prison is that he probably won’t even be in with the general pubic of prisoners for the most part. All he has to do is cry about something and he’ll be ‘somewhat’ protected. If he doesn’t want to be ‘hurt’ in prison by another prisoner, he’ll just be put in protective custody somewhere. It makes me sick to know that these boys, like many others in this world, couldn’t cry and be put into protective custody. This man and other men all over the world do horrible things to children and we feel helpless. I pray everyday that my children are safe. I pray for Devlins soul too…he he needs to be punished to the fullest degree, in every way possible. I hope the prisoners get him a few times to show him what those terrible things feel like. I hate to feel that way, but there’s just no other way for me to feel.
Comment by Amanda | February 27, 2007