Niece of wrestling legend Kurt Angle found safe following abduction; former boyfriend in custody
The 16-year-old niece of pro wrestling legend Kurt Angle has been found safe in Pennsylvania after cops say she was abducted by her former boyfriend.
Marjani Aquil was found inside a house in McKeesport late Wednesday with bruises on her face, and Jermaine Rodgers was captured at the same home following a two-hour standoff. Rodgers, 19, has been charged with kidnapping.
“They broke the window under the porch so they could see into that area and that’s where they saw him hiding in the coal cellar," Allegheny County Police Insp. Christopher Kearns told CBS in Pittsburgh. "He was ordered to show his hands and remains there ... until the team that was in the basement could come and take him into custody."
Two other people were at the home when cops arrived, according to the station.
An Amber Alert had been issued by state police when she went missing earlier in the day.
"Just wanted to say thank you to all those who have prayed and have shared posts to help locate her," Angle posted on Facebook early Thursday. "Thank you to the Pittsburgh Police for your persistence in finding my niece. My family is truly appreciative. Love you all."
Angle had pleaded for Marjani's safe return in a series of Facebook posts, urging people to call the police if they spotted her.
The iconic wrestler is a WWE Hall of Famer who won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. Angle, 50, was named the greatest shoot wrestler of all-time by USA Wrestling.
Rodgers is being held pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for later this month. He pleaded guilty last year to terroristic threats and simple assault in an incident also involving Marjani.
With News Wire Services
