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Missing Teen, Infant Found Safe; Stepfather Arrested

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An Illinois man accused of kidnapping his 13-year-old step-daughter and her 3-week-old baby has been arrested at a makeshift campsite in West Virginia.

Kanawha County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Brian Humphreys tells The Charleston Gazette-Mail someone called in a tip that Christopher Ray Derleth had been spotted in the Cabin Creek area. Derleth was arrested around 1:30 p.m. Saturday. He will be returned to Madison County, Illinois, where he faces kidnapping charges.

Derleth's step-daughter and her son were transported to a local hospital to be examined. Humphreys says they appeared to be fine.

Authorities in Illinois have said the teenager has a congenital heart defect and a pacemaker. Derleth had previously been ordered not to contact her.

Humphreys did not know if Derleth had an attorney.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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