Charlotte Sena kidnapping suspect eyed in 2 cold case murders nearby; profiler addresses potential connection

Unsolved Murders in Saratoga County Resurface Amid Kidnapping Arrest

The recent arrest of a suspected ransom kidnapper in upstate New York has reignited interest in two unsolved murders that occurred in Saratoga County. Christina White and Jennifer “Moonbeam” Hammond, aged 19 and 18, disappeared two years apart and were later found in the rural town of Greenfield, New York.

Christina White vanished near Daketown Road in June 2005. Her skeletal remains were discovered a year later, revealing she had been fatally stabbed in the abdomen. Notably, her phone, wallet, and her usual knife were missing.

Jennifer Hammond, a Colorado native, was last seen in August 2003 while selling magazines door to door in Ballston Spa. She never arrived at the designated pickup spot to meet her boss, and her belongings were found in her hotel. A bus ticket back to Colorado, which she had purchased, was left unused. Hammond remained missing for six years until someone found her skull near Lake Desolation Road, with the cause of her death still undisclosed.

These cases drew fresh attention after the abduction of 9-year-old Charlotte Sena, which garnered nationwide focus. Charlotte was abducted by Craig Nelson Ross Jr., a man who had spent decades living around parks. She was later rescued from a camper on his mother’s property.

Criminal profiler John Kelly raised questions about Ross’s past behavior and potential links to the unsolved murders. Both victims had auburn hair and vanished near trailer parks in the county.

While Ross has not been named a suspect in the cold cases, the community is scrutinizing him following the alleged ransom demand after Charlotte’s abduction. Investigators are looking into any possible connections Ross may have with outstanding cases.

Though Ross has a history of violence, he lacks an extensive criminal record. Both cold case victims were in their late teens, and the motives for their murders remain unclear. With renewed attention on these cases, investigators hope that someone will come forward with new tips.

Should you possess any information about the White or Hammond cases, please contact the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office at 518-885-6761.