Home / Crime and Justice / Utah Teen Rescued After 500 Days of Captivity
Utah Teen Rescued After 500 Days of Captivity
5 Nov
Summary
- Teen was held captive for over 500 days, rescued in Oregon.
- Suspect allegedly used pliers to remove braces to hide identity.
- Online gamer connected teen to her family, leading to rescue.
A 17-year-old Utah girl, Kylie Arellano, has been rescued in Oregon, nearly 18 months after her disappearance. The federal complaint details allegations of severe abuse by Adam Hunter Harmel, 39, who allegedly held her captive for over 500 days.
Investigators allege Harmel became violent, hitting the teen and forcing her to remove her braces with pliers. She was confined to his basement, sharing a bed with him, and he allegedly kept a knife under his pillow to prevent escape.
Harmel allegedly met Arellano online in May 2025, grooming her before driving from Oregon to Utah to pick her up. He then reportedly threw her phone into a river and drove her to his Oregon home, isolating her.
Arellano's freedom began in mid-October 2026 when she connected with another minor playing an online game. She revealed her situation, and her mother contacted the FBI, leading to a successful rescue operation on November 1, 2026.
