Sex offender charged with kidnapping after Wilmington girl found safe, officials say

WILMINGTON, N.C. — A registered sex offender is in custody after a missing 6-year-old girl from Wilmington was found alive Thursday morning, the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office said. 

Stefanny Lenneth Lopez-Castro was found alone in the woods off River Road about two miles from her house, Channel 9's partner, WWAY, reported. 

Douglas Edwards, 46, is in custody and charged with first-degree kidnapping

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According to the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, Edwards was required to register as a sex offender for at least 10 years after he was convicted in 1996 for first degree sex offense and indecent liberties with a minor. The registry said the crimes involved a 6-year-old and Edwards served almost 16 years in prison. There have been no reported violations against him, according to the registry.

“I have a granddaughter that age,” McMahon said at a news conference. “It’s personal when this happens in our community.”

The FBI and the Wilmington police helped in the investigation. Investigators said the first 24 hours are crucial in missing persons cases.

“I think you can say we beat the odds today,” McMahon said.

Lopez-Castro’s family said she is doing well.

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