Daniel Skipworth
FLORENCE-On Thursday, April 22 the Florence Police Department issued a statement on the kidnapping of Abbygail Moody. This statement is a summary of events that took place up to and until now concerning this kidnapping:
“On the morning of April 15, 2021, thirteen (13) year old Abbygail Moody left her residence on foot and was picked up by nineteen (19) year old Daniel Skipworth, of Tyler, Texas. A man she met online, just a week prior. Daniel then returned to Tyler, Texas with Abbygail. While on the way to Texas, Abbygail asked multiple times for Skipworth to return her home. With help from numerous local, state and federal law enforcement officers, Abbygail was ultimately located at Daniel’s home, in Tyler Texas on April 17, 2021, less than 72 hours following her disappearance.
Following interviews conducted in Texas, and evidence recovered that spans from Florence, Alabama to
Tyler, Texas, Skipworth has been charged, in Texas, with Kidnapping 3rd, Aggravated Sexual Assault and Trafficking of Persons. Local charges are pending further investigation. The Florence Police Department is working closely with local FBI Agents in an effort to pursue federal charges. The fact that the crimes committed by Skipworth covered multiple states will come in to play during this investigation. Abbygail has since returned home and has been reunited with her family.
Detectives with the Florence Police Department would like to stress the importance of monitoring our children’s social media involvement. It is important as parents that we constantly know who our children are talking to and when they are talking to them. There are many messaging apps and video game apps available for predators to reach out under the ruse of being friendly and of the same age. The reality of today is that no one can be trusted without a personal relationship through mutual family and friends. As mentioned above this case continues to be fluid. As our case continues to progress we will continue to send updates through local news stations and our social media. ”
Det. Josh Hein
Florence Police Department
