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Missing North Carolina girl found alive, chained to tree

Stefanny Lenneth Lopez-Castro was found alive and is in good condition, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

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She was last seen wearing a white short-sleeve shirt, light-pink shorts with white polka dots, and black flip-flops. She has pierced ears and was wearing cubic zirconia earrings.

The girl was discovered alive and chained to a tree Thursday in the woods off River Road two miles from her home. He declined to comment on whether she had been harmed. He was arrested in New Hanover County this morning.

Investigators are still questioning Edwards about Lopez-Castro’s disappearance. Edwards’ address listed on the Sex Offenders Registry is about four miles from where she lives.

The sheriff identified the suspect as 46-year-old Douglas Edwards. Edwards was released from prison in 2012, according to the database.

An abductor took Stefanny Lenneth Lopez-Castro from 5140 Carolina Beach Road, lot 80 Wilmington on Wednesday afternoon, the alert said. He said she did not say a word and seemed very calm.

“I’ve got a granddaughter that age. It’s personal when it’s in our community and this type of stuff normally doesn’t happen”.

After she was found, the abducted North Carolina 6-year-old was taken to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

Brewer said, “It was our investigation that led to the discovery of the girl”, but would not give further details.

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An emotional Sheriff McMahon expressed, “I think you can say we beat the odds today”. The girl was found safe after being abducted from her home on Wednesday night.

Police tape