Leanna Lehman
Aideyn Jace Purdy-Knudson first appeared before Judge Benjam Trotter in New River Township Justice Court on March 20, following his March 19 arrest and subsequent booking into the Churchill County Jail on several felony charges related to the kidnapping of a 16-year-old California girl.
At the March 20 hearing, Judge Trotter determined that Purdy-Knudson qualified for indigent defense and appointed the Churchill County Public Defender’s Office to the case, despite the defendant indicating he may have the means to retain private counsel.
The most serious charge Purdy-Knudson faces is Kidnapping in the First Degree Not Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Category A Felony punishable by life in prison with the possibility of parole after 5 years, or a definite term of 15 years with the possibility of parole after 5 years. The criminal complaint alleges that on March 18, 2025, Purdy-Knudson willfully took the minor from California to Nevada without the consent of her legal guardian.
He is also facing two counts of Assault on an Officer with Use of a Deadly Weapon, both Category B Felonies, each punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison. The complaint states that Purdy-Knudson attempted to unsheathe a knife during confrontations with Churchill County Sheriff’s Deputy Nelson and Corporal White while they were performing their duties, placing both officers in reasonable fear for their lives.
He is further charged with Failure to Stop on Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category B Felony punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison. According to the complaint, he refused to stop for marked law enforcement vehicles, drove at 95 mph in a 35-mph zone, crossed over solid double lines into oncoming traffic, and endangered other motorists.
Additional charges include Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a Category C Felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison. The complaint alleges he had a stolen blue 1993 Cadillac Deville with California registration DP905YL, which he knew or should have known was stolen.
Purdy-Knudson also faces two Gross Misdemeanor charges, each punishable by up to 364 days in jail: Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child, and Battery on an Officer. The child endangerment charge stems from allegations that he placed the 16-year-old minor in danger by operating the vehicle recklessly while she was seated in the front passenger seat. The battery charge alleges that he wrapped his arms around Corporal White’s legs in an attempt to take the officer to the ground during the confrontation.
After multiple continuances, Purdy-Knudson returned to Justice Court on June 26. Represented by Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer, he appeared before Justice Pro Tem Anthony Tisdale, presiding in Judge Trotter’s absence. Sommer requested a Valdez-Jimenez hearing to determine whether Purdy-Knudson should be considered for release on his own recognizance (OR) or to establish a bail amount he can reasonably afford.
Valdez-Jimenez hearings are based on the Nevada Supreme Court ruling requiring prosecutors to prove that keeping someone in jail is necessary to protect the public or ensure court appearances. The court must consider whether less restrictive alternatives, such as Court Services supervision or electronic monitoring, would suffice. The ruling relies on the constitutional principle that every defendant is presumed innocent and should not be jailed simply because they cannot afford bail.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford appeared for the state and did not oppose scheduling the Valdez-Jimenez hearing for a later date.
Judge Tisdale ordered bail in accordance with the charges, setting bail at $250,000 for the kidnapping count, with total bail across all charges set at $318,000.
The Public Defender’s Office reserved the right to revisit Purdy-Knudson’s custodial status and bail amount, and informed the court that the defendant is working with the state toward a potential resolution.
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