Delaware Duo Nabbed in Interstate Kidnapping & Robbery

A brazen kidnapping and robbery scheme stretching from Delaware to Pennsylvania has landed two Wilmington men in federal custody. Donnie Taylor, 19, and Kyaire Finch, 20, are accused of luring a victim to a New Castle parking lot last October with the intent to steal, then escalating the crime into a terrifying interstate ordeal. The feds allege this wasn’t just a simple mugging; it was a meticulously planned operation with devastating consequences for the victim.

According to the indictment, the plot began unfolding on October 17th, 2022. Taylor, Finch, and a juvenile accomplice allegedly convinced the victim to meet them in New Castle. Once there, the trio reportedly assaulted the man, relieving him of his wallet and cell phone. But they didn’t stop at robbery. Federal prosecutors say they used the victim’s own phone to transfer $1,400 into their accounts – a particularly cold detail that speaks to the calculated nature of the crime.

The kidnapping took a disturbing turn when Taylor and Finch forced the victim across state lines into Pennsylvania. The indictment details how the pair, along with the juvenile, then invaded the victim’s home, further assaulting him and a second individual. They ransacked the apartment, making off with an additional $865 and various stolen items. This wasn’t a spontaneous act of violence; it was a prolonged and escalating assault on two victims.

But Taylor’s criminal spree didn’t end in Pennsylvania. The feds say he then turned on a 68-year-old woman, strong-arming her for her car before attempting to flee to Georgia. This final act demonstrates a pattern of escalating violence and disregard for human life. The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, working alongside the New Castle County Police, eventually tracked down Taylor and Finch, bringing them to face federal charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Carly A. Hudson are building the case against Taylor and Finch. The charges – conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping – carry a potential life sentence. While the legal process unfolds, it’s crucial to remember that these are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The feds will need to present compelling evidence to secure a conviction.

The details of the investigation remain largely sealed, but Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI has acknowledged the collaborative effort that led to these charges. This case serves as a stark reminder of the interstate reach of violent crime and the dedication of law enforcement to pursue those who prey on others. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.

Court documents related to the case, including the indictment (Case No. 1:23-CR-60), are available through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the District Court for the District of Delaware or via PACER. This incident underscores the ongoing struggle against violent crime and the importance of interagency cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice.

The gravity of these charges reflects the severity of the alleged crimes. If convicted, Taylor and Finch face the very real possibility of spending the rest of their lives behind bars, a just outcome if the prosecution can prove their involvement in this calculated and brutal attack.