Pittsburgh Man Arrested After Missing 13-Year-Old Girl Found Hidden in Basement Box

A missing 13-year-old girl from Louisiana was discovered hidden inside a box in a Pittsburgh basement. The discovery ended a four-day, multi-state search that began with a Snapchat message. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Ki-Shawn Crumity at his Davis Avenue home in connection with the case.

The incident highlights growing concerns about online predators and child exploitation. An active federal investigation is now underway.

Charges Filed in Multi-State Kidnapping Case

Ki-Shawn Crumity faces a long list of felony and misdemeanor charges. According to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, these include trafficking in individuals, statutory sexual assault, and unlawful contact with a minor. He was transported to the Allegheny County Jail and denied bail.

A second man, 62-year-old Ronald Smith, was also arrested in Columbus, Georgia. Smith faces charges of simple kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

How a Snapchat Message Led to a Basement

The criminal complaint reveals the girl met Crumity on Snapchat. He allegedly groomed her online, promising to get her adopted by a trusted adult. Ronald Smith and another man then transported the teen from Baton Rouge to Georgia before putting her on a bus to Pittsburgh.

Upon arrival, the girl, a woman she traveled with, and Crumity all slept in the same basement bed. The complaint states Crumity gave the minor edibles and alcohol before sexually assaulting her multiple times during her week-long captivity.

The Pittsburgh Police Special Victims Unit acted on a tip from the U.S. Marshals Service. A SWAT team executed a search warrant on October 30, leading to the rescue. The girl later told investigators that being in the hospital was the safest she had felt.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill condemned the crime. She stated the case is a stark example of the dangers of social media and human trafficking. Officials expect more arrests and charges.

The rescue of the 13-year-old girl concludes a tense multi-state investigation. This Pittsburgh basement box case serves as a grim reminder of the real-world dangers of online predators. Authorities continue to investigate the trafficking network involved.

Info at your fingertips

What charges does Ki-Shawn Crumity face?

He faces numerous felony charges. These include trafficking in individuals, statutory sexual assault, and unlawful contact with a minor. He is currently being held without bail.

How was the missing girl found?

The Pittsburgh Police SVU acted on a report from the U.S. Marshals Service. A SWAT team executed a search warrant at a home on Davis Avenue, where they discovered the girl hidden in a box in the basement.

What role did social media play?

Authorities say the girl was groomed by the suspect on Snapchat. The platform was used to initiate contact and lure the minor across state lines.

Were other people involved?

Yes. A second suspect, Ronald Smith, was arrested in Georgia. Officials have stated they expect further arrests as the investigation continues.

What is the condition of the rescued girl?

The girl was taken to a hospital for evaluation. She told authorities there that she finally felt safe.

Trusted Sources

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, CBS News, Independent