John Esposito, who kidnapped 9-year-old Katie Beers in 1992 and abused her in a Long Island basement dungeon, was found dead yesterday in his cell at Sing Sing, according to a report.
Esposito, 64, apparently died of natural causes, and his body was found at the Westchester prison shortly after a parole hearing, WCBS reported early today.
Beers, now 30, was held for 16 days by Esposito in a case that made headlines more than 20 years ago.
Esposito pleaded guilty to the kidnapping in 1994 and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
Beers released a statement to the TV station that said, “I’m saddened at the loss of a life, but at the same time, I’m happy that John Esposito will never be granted parole or have the opportunity to hurt anyone ever again.”
Esposito had lured Katie to a bunker under a Bay Shore garage by promising her gifts.
At his sentencing, an 11-year-old Katie said she wanted Esposito to “go to jail for as long as he can.”