A 30-year-old Tennessee man is accused of violently kidnapping a 10-year-old girl from her bedroom, allegedly ripping an air-conditioning unit from the window to gain entry before dragging the child into nearby woods, tying her to a tree, and holding a knife to her throat. Steven Devonte Harris was taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping and attempted rape of a child, following a terrifying early-morning ordeal that authorities say ended only after the victim’s desperate escape and a neighbor’s intervention.
Background
The incident occurred in Dyer County, Tennessee, where the victim was forcibly taken from her home in the early hours of the morning. According to a press release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the girl was threatened and assaulted by Harris before managing to break free. She ran toward a nearby residence and sought help by communicating through a doorbell camera. However, Harris allegedly caught up with her, pulling her behind the neighboring apartment where he began strangling her. The confrontation was interrupted when a car arrived, honking its horn and screaming for help. The victim’s aunt, who lives nearby, came outside carrying a spiked bat, prompting Harris to flee the scene.
The Investigation
Investigators from the TBI, FBI, Dyer County Sheriff's Department, and Newbern Police Department recovered physical evidence from the wooded area, including a belt, a vape, and a green sweatshirt. District Attorney Danny Goodman stated that these items, mentioned by the victim, were crucial in confirming the suspect. The evidence was submitted to the TBI Crime Lab, where Rapid DNA processing returned a match for Harris. During a post-arrest interview, detectives reported that Harris appeared deceptive and provided inconsistent answers after receiving his Miranda rights.
The Charges
Authorities charged Steven Devonte Harris with two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, and attempted rape of a child. The charges stem from the alleged forcible removal of the child from her home, the assault involving a knife, and the attempted sexual violence. Harris was booked into the Dyer County Jail.
Key Takeaways
- Steven Devonte Harris, 30, is accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old girl by removing an AC unit from her window.
- The victim was allegedly tied to a tree with a belt and had a knife held to her throat.
- Rapid DNA processing of recovered items (belt, vape, sweatshirt) matched Harris.
- Harris faces charges including especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, and attempted rape of a child.
- The victim escaped and was aided by a neighbor and her aunt, who confronted Harris with a spiked bat.
What's Next
Steven Devonte Harris remains booked in the Dyer County Jail pending further court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to review evidence collected from the wooded area and the victim's home. No specific trial date has been announced yet, but the case will proceed through the Dyer County criminal court system under the supervision of District Attorney Danny Goodman.