Two individuals are in custody and criminally charged for the alleged kidnapping of a Staten Island man, acting Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo and Elizabeth Police Department Deputy Chief Giacomo Sacca and Director Earl Graves jointly announced Friday.
Officials say Dayana Juene, 22, and Denley Delice, 19, both of Elizabeth, have been charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree conspiracy to commit kidnapping, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and two counts of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
“I would like to recognize the dedicated and seamless collaboration between the Elizabeth Police Department and the restructured Domestic Violence Investigation Unit of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in jointly working this case to seek justice for the victims and prevent further violence,” stated acting Prosecutor Ruotolo.
According to officials, innthe early morning hours of July 3rd, 2020, officers from the Elizabeth Police Department responded to an apartment complex on the 200 block of Third Street in Elizabeth, after receiving a call of a reported kidnapping at the location.
At the complex, officers found the 29-year-old victim in a frail and malnourished state, having sustained bodily injuries.
The victim explained to officers that he escaped an apartment in the complex after being held captive and repeatedly assaulted for approximately two weeks.
The victim was discovered by neighbors bound by his wrists, ankles, and neck, with electrical cord.
A young child was also found inside of the apartment where the victim was held captive and rendered safe.
At this time, Dayan Juene is at large and wanted in connection with these crimes.
Anyone with information on this matter is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Tokarz at 908- 527-4665 or 908-858-6152, or Elizabeth Police Department Detective Demondo at 908-558-2108.
Convictions on a first-degree kidnapping are punishable between 15 to 30 years in state prison.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.