Second Suspect in NYC Kidnapping and Torture Surrenders
NEW YORK — A second suspect has surrendered in the high-profile NYC kidnapping and torture case involving an Italian tourist allegedly held captive for weeks in a luxury SoHo townhouse. Police confirmed Tuesday that William Duplessie turned himself in at the NYPD’s 13th Precinct.
Like his co-defendant, crypto entrepreneur John Woeltz, Duplessie is expected to face charges including kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
Shocking NYC Kidnapping and Torture Case Details Emerge from Townhouse Search
Prosecutors revealed chilling evidence recovered inside the upscale apartment: a saw, crack cocaine, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ballistic helmets, and Polaroid photos showing the victim with a gun pointed at his head. Investigators also found blood traces throughout the space and recovered a firearm.
Duplessie remained silent as reporters questioned him outside the precinct. His attorney declined to comment when contacted by media..
Woeltz Held Without Bail Over Flight Risk
Woeltz, arrested last Friday, faces the same charges and was held without bail after prosecutors highlighted his access to a private jet and helicopter, arguing he was a flight risk. He did not enter a plea and is due back in court Wednesday. His legal team has made no public statements.
Victim’s Harrowing Ordeal Detailed by Prosecutors
The alleged 28-year-old Italian victim reportedly arrived in New York on May 6 after Woeltz and Duplessie threatened his family’s safety. Once at the townhouse, the victim was stripped of his passport and electronics, bound, beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and forced to smoke crack cocaine.
According to prosecutors, the captors used a saw to cut the victim’s leg, urinated on him, and even dangled him over a stairwell, demanding his Bitcoin password.
Escape Leads to Rescue and Arrest
The victim’s escape came when he convinced his captors he would hand over the Bitcoin password from his laptop. While Woeltz went to retrieve the device, the victim fled down the stairs and alerted authorities, leading to last week’s dramatic arrest.
As the NYC kidnapping and torture case unfolds, both suspects are facing intense legal scrutiny, and further court proceedings are set to reveal more details about this disturbing international crime.
