Bail set at $1M in NH teen kidnapping case

CONWAY, N.H. -- The man accused of kidnapping Abigail Hernandez as she walked home in October was ordered held on $1 million cash bail today -- all as the alleged teen victim sat 15 feet away from her alleged captor.

'Not one day didn't go by when we weren't working on this case,' said Jane Young, New Hampshire's assistant Attorney General. 'This is just the first step in this case.'

Nathaniel E. Kibby, 34, of Gorham, N.H., entered no plea to a charge of felony kidnapping. His lawyer did not fight the high bail, but said he may at a probable cause hearing Aug. 12.

Kibby is accused of kidnapping the teen on Oct. 9 in Conway. She showed up back at home July 20 and prosecutors said today more charges could be filed.

Details in the case are being sealed, under the judge's orders, while the state continues its investigation.

Young said Kibby's trailer park home in nearby Gorham is being searched for evidence of any other possible crimes, Young said.

The courthouse was packed with media as well as family and friends of the alleged victim. Hernandez sat composed during the entire proceedings, but she did not address the press. Her mom sat with her hands clenched eyeing the defendant. There was silence in the courtroom when the mother and daughter first walked in.

Friend Amanda Smith told the Herald Hernandez wanted to come to court today for 'closure.'

'It's a process. Everything they go through is a process and this is a step in that process,' said Smith.

Another friend, Paul Kirsch, added that Hernandez is showing her true strength.

'After someone is held for nine months and returns, it doesn't end there. All they want to do is be a family again,' said Kirsch. 'But they have to go through this and that takes strength and they are showing a lot of strength right now.'

Neighbors said Kibby lived by himself ever since his girlfriend moved out about two or three years ago. They described him as a gun enthusiast and anti-government fanatic who often bragged about the letters he wrote to federal agencies criticizing everything from wars to Obamacare.

'He was just somebody I wouldn't hang with. ... He set off that vibe,' said neighbor Deb Demers. (See today's coverage.)

Developing...

Abigail Hernandez comes into court today. (Pool photo WMUR.)