Related Federal Cases
- Bob G. Dean Jr., Neglect of Nursing Home Residents, Louisiana, 2023 · Oklahoma
- Janet Smith, Mail Fraud, Louisiana, 2023 · Louisiana
- Rodriguez-Ruiz Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry, Louisiana, 2023 · New York
- Kevin Ralph Andrus, Wire Fraud, Louisiana 2024 · Texas
- Keith Foster, Heroin and Gun Conspiracy, Louisiana 2015 · Louisiana
Lafayette Man Pleads Guilty to Grindr Kidnapping Scheme
A shocking case of online terror has come to an end in Lafayette, Louisiana, as 21-year-old Chance Seneca pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping a gay man on June 20, 2020.
According to his plea agreement, Seneca admitted to using Grindr, a dating application for gay and bisexual men, to kidnap and attempt to murder H.W., a gay man. Specifically, Seneca proposed a meeting with H.W. on Grindr, drove him to an isolated house, and attempted to murder and dismember him.
Seneca acknowledged that he intended to murder and dismember H.W. for the purpose of satisfying his homicidal urges and had planned to continue murdering until he was caught or killed. The actions and intentions of the defendant in this case were ‘shocking’, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The internet should be accessible and safe for all Americans, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, and the Justice Department will continue to identify and hold accountable anyone who uses online spaces as a means to terrorize or abuse others.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana stated, ‘The facts surrounding the events that took place in this case are very disturbing. It is nothing short of miraculous that the victims who endured the vicious attacks from this defendant survived. We will continue to fight to seek justice for victims who suffer at the hands of defendants such as this.’
Seneca faces a statutory maximum of life imprisonment for the kidnapping offense. He may also face additional exposure under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines if the sentencing court finds beyond a reasonable doubt that he intentionally selected the victim because of the victim’s actual or perceived gender or sexual orientation. Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2023.
The FBI and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation, and this case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Myers Namie of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News