2 Charged in Kidnap of Paraplegic, Friend

A36-year-old convicted murderer, released from prison two months ago, and his 20-year-old niece were charged Monday with kidnaping a paraplegic man from Canoga Park and his girlfriend and forcing the two to withdraw $26,600 from area banks.

The district attorney’s office charged Harold (Sweet Pea) Hayes and his niece, Annette Hayes, both of Pacoima, with two counts of kidnaping for robbery and five counts of robbery. Harold Hayes also was charged with assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer.

If convicted on the kidnaping counts, the suspects could be sentenced to life imprisonment, Deputy Dist. Atty. Burton J. Schneirow said.

Police said the suspects took about $10,000 worth of jewelry and electronic equipment from the home of the paraplegic, Scott Davis, 29, last Tuesday, and forced Davis and his girlfriend to withdraw money from banks in which they held accounts. The two were released later that day.

Police alleged that Annette Hayes, who formerly was employed by Davis as a nurse’s aide, suggested the robbery to her uncle, who had been released from state prison Jan. 12. Harold Hayes had served a 17-year sentence for first-degree murder and possession of drugs, according to prison officials.

Police arrested Harold Hayes, Annette Hayes and two juveniles, who allegedly helped in the robbery. Authorities said Harold Hayes grabbed an officer’s revolver during the arrest.