School bus driver charged with holding girl captive for 12 years

A shocking case has emerged from Colombia, where a school bus driver allegedly abducted a 7-year-old girl and held her captive for over a decade until she managed to escape earlier this year. The suspect, identified as Carlos Humberto Grisales Higuita, is facing multiple charges including simple kidnapping, sexual abuse, sexual acts, and pornography involving a minor under 14 years of age, as revealed by prosecutors in Medellín, Colombia.

According to prosecutors, the man reportedly took the young girl to a house in the city center in early 2012 and subjected her to psychological manipulation and sexual assault, leading her to believe that such behavior was normal. During her captivity, the victim’s name was changed, she was moved to various locations in Medellín and Bello, and she was kept out of school.

As the victim turned 16, she confronted the alleged aggressor about the mistreatment she endured. In response, she was reportedly locked up in a house from which she eventually escaped in February of this year. It was also revealed that the victim had been reported missing 12 years ago.

Grisales Higuita was apprehended by the National Police in Medellín, but during preliminary hearings, he did not admit to the charges brought against him by the Prosecutor’s Office. He currently remains in custody under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

This distressing case sheds light on the harrowing ordeal that the young girl endured for more than a decade at the hands of her captor. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt action in cases of missing persons and potential instances of abuse. The authorities’ swift response in apprehending the suspect and ensuring his accountability is crucial in seeking justice for the victim and preventing similar incidents in the future.

As this story continues to unfold, it underscores the significance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from exploitation and harm. The resilience displayed by the young girl in escaping her captor after years of captivity is a testament to her courage and determination to break free from the cycle of abuse.