Nākālele Kidnapping Suspect Makes Initial Court Appearance

Ashley Ramos, 19, of Lahaina was present for her initial court appearance today, March 24, in her alleged connection to last week’s reported kidnapping and robbery of a California couple at Nākālele Point.

Ramos was arrested Wednesday afternoon and was charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree and Kidnapping.

Ashley Ramos, 19, of Lahaina made her initial court appearance where her bail was set at $100,000.

Ramos appeared in front of Judge Adrianne N. Heely at Wailuku District Courthouse where her bail was set at $100,000.

Count 1 and 2: Robbery 1 theft or motor vehicle theft & dangerous instrument & threatened force – $20,000

Counts 3-6: Terroristic Threatening and Theft 2 person – $5,000

Counts 7 and 8: Kidnapping – $10,000

Counts 9-12: Credit card theft taking, unauthorized control of propelled vehicle and Theft 2 – exceeding $750.

Ramos remains in custody as probable cause was found.

Ramos has been ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, March 29.

Background:

On Wednesday, March 15, a 25-year old male and his 25-year old fiancée reported that they were held at gun point at Nākālele Point and had personal belongings stolen from them, valued at more than $9,400. Police say the offenders were wearing masks and that the male offender brandished firearms and robbed the couple at gunpoint.

Police say the offenders then proceeded to unlawfully enter the couple’s rental vehicle and steal more items. According to police reports, the California visitors were separated with the male visitor going with the male offender within an older model silver Chevy SUV; and the visiting female forced to go with the female offender within the rental vehicle.

Police say the visitors were driven to various areas in Wailuku and possibly Kahului, and that the male offender did not enter any of the locations, but the female offender was observed on surveillance in Wailuku. While in Wailuku the couple was driven to Long Drugs Maui Lani and made to purchase cash cards totaling $1,300 in value, according to Maui police.

The couple told authorities that they did not attempt to escape their captors due to fear for their safety, as their lives were threatened several times if they were to contact police.

Police say the couple was later released uninjured by their captors, with their rental vehicle, at an unknown location. Upon returning to their hotel they contacted police.

An unknown male individual, possibly in his 30’s, standing 5’10” to 5’11” tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds with short dark hair is also being sought by Maui police.