Kidnapper Releases Woman, Kills Self
A man who kidnapped his former girlfriend in Northridge released her unharmed, then shot himself to death Tuesday in a Buena Park motel room surrounded by police, authorities said.
Henry Floyd Jr., 35, of Fullerton was found dead by officers about 6:30 a.m. after several hours of negotiations.
Authorities say Floyd, armed with a handgun, forced 27-year-old Nacole Richardson into his car Monday after an argument and scuffle outside a medical equipment manufacturer where she worked.
Private security officers who tried to stop the abduction reported hearing a gunshot coming from inside Floyd’s Honda Accord.
Floyd had threatened Richardson before the abduction, police said.
A Buena Park patrol officer spotted Floyd’s car about 11:40 p.m. Monday parked outside the Crescent Motel on Beach Boulevard. Police surrounded the room, then called Floyd.
After hours of negotiations, Richardson was released unharmed, although Floyd remained barricaded inside, police said.
When SWAT officers entered the room, they found Floyd dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident is being investigated by Buena Park and Los Angeles police.
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