An Auburn man who kidnapped and raped a 13-year-old girl in 2022 before attempting to murder her will now spend the next 56 years in prison, according to the sentence he received on Tuesday.
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“This was one of the most disturbing cases we’ve ever encountered,” said Auburn Police Chief Jason Moen in a statement on social media.
“The courage of the victim, the dedication of our officers, and the tireless work of the prosecutors ensured that this dangerous individual will never again harm another child. Today’s sentence sends a crystal-clear message: Crimes of this nature will be met with the full force of the law,” he added.
The convicted rapist, Razel M. Gavin, was 24 at the time of his arrest and pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping, aggravated attempted murder, and gross sexual assault.
On April 25, 2022, Gavin kidnapped a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint from a parking lot across the street from her home in broad daylight. The victim’s parents called the police after the girl’s friend told them that their daughter had abruptly dropped their phone call under apparent duress.
Authorities found the girl’s phone in the parking lot, and security footage revealed a car driving in and leaving a short time later.
Police found the vehicle early the next morning at around 2:30 a.m. with the victim inside.
Gavin raped the girl at gunpoint multiple times during the night she was in his custody, and attempted to murder her. He was a complete stranger to the girl.
