A man accused of trying to kidnap a 17-year-old girl in Malibu has been found guilty in the case.
A jury ruled Alexis Fantauzzi, 29, guilty on five counts stemming from the 2012 incident: felony kidnapping, felony kidnapping for carjacking, felony vandalism, misdemeanor child molesting and misdemeanor escape from arrest.
The trial wrapped up last month. Sources close to the victim said she agreed to testify against Fantauzzi. He now faces life in prison, according to the LA District Attorney’s Office.
Fantauzzi reportedly forced his way into the victim’s car as she waited at a stoplight at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Webb Way during the early hours of June 12, 2012.
He then drove around for several hours before stopping to get gas. Two bystanders are credited with helping save the girl.
After seeing the victim was visibly upset, Michael Miller confronted Fantauzzi at the gas station and told him to release the girl. Fantauzzi refused and drove away, prompting Miller to call 911.
Joseph Evans had been filling up on gas during the confrontation and he felt that the situation would be resolved with police involvement. He left the gas station, driving towards Kanan Dume Road on his way to work. A short while later he saw the car with the man and the young girl pulled over on the side of the road. Evans called the police again and updated them on the assailant’s location. Until the police arrived and tracked down the car, Evans followed the kidnapper up and down Kanan and PCH, making sure the young girl was safe until police arrived.