An individual without legal immigration status, who authorities have compared to a “ghost,” has confessed to the abduction and sexual assault of a young girl at knifepoint in the vicinity of New Orleans.
A 23-year-old man named Diego Rodriguez-Salvador was taken into custody on September 4th. He is accused of enticing a 13-year-old girl into his vehicle and then taking her to his residence in Kenner, Louisiana, where he allegedly committed rape.
Rodriguez-Salvador, an undocumented migrant from Honduras, reportedly requested the company of his friend’s teenage sister for a trip to a nearby store. After accepting the ride, the situation took a dangerous turn when the girl realized they were going the wrong way.
Rodriguez-Salvador resorted to violence, brandishing a knife and attacking her. He eventually left her in her own neighborhood before making a swift escape under the cover of darkness, according to the Kenner Police Department.
Following the reported crime at approximately 7:45 p.m., Rodriguez-Salvador evaded police briefly before they located a white 2013 Nissan Altima believed to be connected to the suspect. Authorities stated that there was communication with the suspect via phone, and he willingly agreed to turn himself in before being apprehended.
According to local station WDSU, Rodriguez-Salvador has confessed to the crime, as stated by the police.
According to Kenner police Chief Keith Conley, there is limited information available about him, other than the fact that he is from Honduras and is in the country illegally. The exact time of his entry into the US remained undisclosed.
“Diego has undocumented status in the United States and detectives are working closely with Homeland Security Investigations to obtain any additional information that could assist in his identification or apprehension,” the Kenner Police Department said in a statement.
Rodriguez-Salvador faces charges of second-degree kidnapping and second-degree rape involving a juvenile victim.