Authorities in North Carolina have arrested two men, Dustin Letchworth, 34, of Zebulon, and Daryl Maurice Holden, 57, of Wendell, for their alleged involvement in the brutal beating, kidnapping, and trafficking of a woman. The arrests followed a violent incident in which the men reportedly threatened the victim with a machete and held her for ransom.
On December 31, 2024, around 6 a.m., officers responded to an assault call on Hat Walt Lane near Wendell. According to police warrants, the two men attacked the woman with a metal blunt object and a machete, intending to kill her. The victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she informed officials of the harrowing events.
Allegations of Kidnapping and Human Trafficking
Arrest warrants reveal that the men kidnapped the woman by restraining and confining her without consent. They allegedly moved her from one location to another for the purpose of holding her for ransom. The suspects are also accused of forcing the victim into involuntary servitude, human trafficking, and prostitution.
Charges Against the Suspects
The charges against Dustin Letchworth include:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- First-degree kidnapping
- Human trafficking
- Promoting prostitution for profit
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
Daryl Maurice Holden faces the following charges:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Human trafficking
- Promoting prostitution for profit
- First-degree kidnapping
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
During a court hearing on Tuesday, prosecutors stated that a woman was screaming during her 911 call. When deputies arrived, they found the woman badly beaten, suffering from multiple fractured vertebrae, an eye injury, and significant head trauma.
Prosecutors said the woman met the men on Snapchat in August 2024 and agreed to visit Holden at his home. According to the prosecution, Holden, Letchworth, and the victim all snorted cocaine, and the men demanded that she pay her share. When she refused, the woman was allegedly held in the home and told she would be forced to have sex with them among being attacked.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate this disturbing case to uncover further details and determine if additional individuals were involved.
