A New Hampshire girl who was abducted and held in a shipping container for nine months stared down her accused kidnapper during a court hearing on Tuesday.
Abigail Hernandez, 15, sat up straight, next to her mom Zenya, in the front row of Conway District Court where she shot harsh glares at suspect Nathaniel Kibby, 34.
Kibby, whom neighbors described as a gun-loving anti-government zealot, was arraigned on felony kidnapping charges and faces up to seven years behind bars.
Abigail’s appearance in court Tuesday was a surprise because her family had previously said she wasn’t going to attend Kibby’s first hearing.
She left court in a hurry and did not speak to reporters.
The kidnapping victim had earlier thanked searchers in a Facebook posting.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be home and I believe in my heart that your hopes and prayers played a major role in my release,” she wrote. “Thank you all for the welcome home.”
Abigail was 14 when she went missing on Oct. 9 while walking home from school in Conway. She turned 15 a week later.
Police have been tight lipped regarding the circumstances of Abigail’s disappearance and return on July 20.
Several months ago, cops said Abigail mailed a letter to her mother. Authorities have not commented on the contents of that note and how it fit into Abigail’s kidnapping and release.
FBI Special Agent in charge Kieran Ramsey cryptically said: “Abby herself helped her safe return through her courage and resolve to come home.”
Federal agents and state police swarmed Kibby’s Gorham home, about 30 miles north from where the girl lives, on Monday and nabbed the suspect.
They wrapped crime-scene tape around an orange shipping container behind Kibby’s property.
Authorities believe Abigail was kept inside that metal box, law enforcement sources told New England Cable News.
“He’s been called crazy Nate. I don’t know too much about him, he’s pretty much a loner. But I always told the girls stay away from that trailer,” neighbor Debbie Demers told NECN. “He likes his guns and it was a little shooting range back there.”
Demers said Kibby’s shipping container is soundproof.
Neighbors said Kibby was an intimidating presence on the block.
“You wouldn’t want to approach him on the street, you just wouldn’t want to do it,” neighbor Michelle Smith told WMUR.
A judge set Kibby’s bail at $1 million. His next court date is Aug. 12.
“Abby continues to work on restoring her strength,” said Paul Kirsch, a friend of the girl’s family. “I have never been so blown away by a child’s strength. This kid had found a way to survive for nine months.”