Man faces life in jail after raping, kidnapping and forcing lady to cover in ‘wall’
An evil man has been found guilty of kidnapping and raping a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly groomed then forced to hide in a secret wall space, after she was later found alive
Johnny Chandler, 57(Image: Blount County Sheriff’s Office/FOX)
A 10-year-old grooming victim who has been kidnapped from outside her home, kept captive behind a wall and raped, has been found alive. Her abuser has now been found guilty on every charge.
Johnny Chandler, 57, was convicted in Blount County in Alabama, USA, on Thursday (April 9) of rape, kidnapping, sexual abuse of a child under 12, unlawful imprisonment and obstructing governmental operations, relating to the child’s disappearance in March 2024. He is due to be sentenced in May.
Jurors reportedly heard evidence that Chandler admitted picking the girl up outside her home in Blountsville, Alabama, during the early hours of March 10, 2024.
The court was told the girl knew Chandler through her stepfather and that Chandler had been grooming her, including buying her items such as a mobile phone. Prosecutors also reportedly said Chandler confessed to raping her at his home, while medical evidence indicated his DNA was found on the girl’s clothing.
After the child was reported missing, police and other agencies mounted a major search involving local, state and federal teams, WCHS-TV (Channel 8) reported. Her phone was traced to Chandler’s address, but she was not found during that initial search.
The girl later told the court Chandler instructed her to hide in a secret space inside a basement stairwell wall, concealed behind a portable heater, as per WCHS-TV.
The victim also reportedly testified that she had visited Chandler’s home with family before but had never seen the secret space. Chandler “deliberately showed it to her after bringing her to the home” according to court coverage by Secrets Crime.
The child was eventually found alive at a home in Warrior, Alabama. Officers then searched Chandler’s property again and discovered the hidden compartment, along with bedding and a stuffed toy, as per WCHS-TV.
District Attorney Pamela Casey said: “This case is one of the most disturbing we have seen.” She added: “A 10-year-old child was taken and concealed inside a wall in a residence.
“The level of planning, concealment, and abuse involved in this case is difficult to comprehend. Chandler has forfeited his place in a free society.”
She also noted that the case went to trial because Chandler rejected an offer for life in prison. She said: “I could never in good conscience allow him to be on the streets again,” as cited by ABC 33/40.
Chandler is facinglife in prison, as he was convicted of Class A felonies (first-degree rape and first-degree kidnapping), Alabama law dictates a sentencing range of 10 to 99 years, or life in prison. His sentencing is currently scheduled for May 26, 2026.
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