Jurors to come from Onslow County in child abduction, molestation trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County man accused of kidnapping a 6-year-old girl, sexually assaulting her, and leaving her tied to a tree will not have jurors selected from New Hanover County.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, jury selection will take place in Onslow County, but the trial will still be held in Wilmington.

Douglas Edwards was arrested in September, after the young girl was found alone in a heavily wooded area off River Road about two miles from her home.

According to warrants, Edwards, a convicted sex offender, admitted to taking the girl from the front yard of her home off of Carolina Beach Road.

Edwards faces multiple charges, including two counts of indecent liberties with a child, attempted first degree murder, kidnapping, and intimidating a witness.

Edwards is also accused of inappropriately touching a 9-year-old girl while he worked as a painter last August.

His trial is scheduled to start September 5.