Executive Summary
- Ellis Thornton and Theo Richards were arrested in connection with a violent kidnapping and robbery in Miami.
- The victim was allegedly bound, beaten, and robbed of $27,000 and a Patek Philippe watch.
- Police recovered significant evidence including surveillance footage and personal documents at the scene.
- Both suspects are currently held without bond facing multiple felony charges.
MIAMI — Two men have been taken into custody following an investigation into an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping at a Miami apartment complex, where a victim was reportedly held captive, beaten, and robbed of approximately $27,000 in cash.
According to the arrest report filed by Miami police, officers responded to an apartment near the 1600 block of Northeast First Avenue on September 1, following a 5:45 a.m. emergency call. Investigators stated they found the victim suffering from visible head injuries, with redness on his wrists and ankles consistent with being restrained. The victim informed authorities that he had been staying with one of the suspects at the residence for approximately one week prior to the assault.
The police report details that the incident began around 9 p.m. when Ellis Aaron Thornton, 26, and Theo Nathan Richards, 30, allegedly entered the room where the victim was sitting. Authorities stated that Thornton was armed with a knife while Richards brandished a black handgun. Investigators allege the suspects proceeded to punch and kick the victim before Richards placed him in a chokehold, causing the man to lose consciousness.
Upon regaining consciousness, the victim discovered his hands and legs were bound with zip ties. Police reports indicate that Thornton demanded to know the location of the victim’s money, eventually taking $27,000 from two bags. During the ordeal, the victim reported hearing Thornton speaking on a phone, where a voice on the other end allegedly instructed him to "kill him" if the money was not secured. A Patek Philippe watch was also reported stolen during the incident.
After being restrained for several hours, the victim managed to free himself and escape to the building’s lobby around 5:40 a.m. Following the execution of a search warrant at the apartment, police recovered a kitchen knife identified by the victim, along with documents and credit cards bearing Thornton’s name. Detectives also obtained surveillance video which they say depicts both suspects leaving the apartment after the incident.
Investigative Outlook & Legal Proceedings
The apprehension of the suspects marks a critical step in this investigation, removing individuals accused of high-level violent crime from the community. Jail records confirm that both men are facing serious felony charges, including armed robbery with a firearm, kidnapping, and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. The denial of bond for both defendants suggests the judicial system views the alleged crimes as particularly severe, potentially categorizing the suspects as flight risks or dangers to the public. As the case proceeds, the physical evidence collected at the scene and the surveillance footage will likely serve as key components of the prosecution’s strategy. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
