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A Poughkeepsie man, Derrick Woodhouse, has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for kidnapping and attempted robbery. A jury convicted the 50-year-old in June 2024 for abducting Gretchen Munguia, who was pregnant, and two children in her care at knifepoint. The incident occurred on February 6, 2023, when Woodhouse approached Munguia while she was parked on Spruce Street in Poughkeepsie. He held a knife to her stomach and threatened her children, aged three and five, forcing her to drive to an ATM to withdraw money. However, Woodhouse fled when Munguia accidentally dropped her wallet and money.
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi stated, "This 20-year-to-life sentence ensures that the defendant will be held accountable for his actions and that justice is served for the victim, her family, and the community." The sentencing reflects the severity of Woodhouse's actions, highlighting the egregious nature of the crime against a vulnerable pregnant woman and her children.