Press Release  Topsfield Woman Held Without Bail in Kidnapping

Newburyport, Massachusetts — A 21-year-old Topsfield woman, who allegedly abducted a 2-year-old Hamilton girl, was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation at the Worcester Recovery Center at her arraignment on kidnapping charges today in Newburyport District Court.  A plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf.

Newburyport District Court Judge Allen Swan also ordered her held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.  She will return to court on December 11, 2015 for a competency hearing.  If deemed competent, a dangerousness hearing will be scheduled at that time.

Abigail Hanna is charged with Kidnapping; Breaking and Entering in the Night with Intent to Commit a Felony; Assault & Battery on a Child, causing Serious Bodily Injury; and Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (a cigarette). 

According to a search warrant affidavit filed in Newburyport District Court, Hamilton Police responded to 62 Lincoln Avenue on a report of a missing child at 7:01 am Friday.  The child’s parents told police that the defendant had babysat for the child on one occasion.  Police then contacted the defendant to question her.  Simultaneously, the child was found by passers-by in Rowley.  As a result of a joint investigation by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney’s Office and the Hamilton Police, the defendant was ultimately placed into custody at Salem Hospital on early Saturday morning.  (see warrant affidavit attached.)

Essex Assistant District Attorney Kristen Buxton is representing the Commonwealth.

The defendant is represented by Attorney Susan McNeil and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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