Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150

District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. Remarks on Conviction of Andre Rand

Twenty-three years ago, the entire city was transfixed with the image of an innocent 7- year old girl, who disappeared in the blink of an eye. Hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement professionals spent countless hours searching for this little girl in the hope that someone would spot this child and return her to her loving family.

Sadly, Holly Ann Hughes has never made it home.

Today, Andre Rand faced justice for the disappearance of a small child, who now would be 31 years old. Andre Rand, a cold, calculating monster, deprived Holly Ann’s family of a daughter, a sister, and a grandchild.

As a result of today’s conviction, we are assured that Andre Rand will never again be free to prey on any child.

For that there are many people to thank.

I must commend the work of the prosecution team: Mario Mattei, Janet Silvers, and Duncan Brown; as well as the support staff in the Investigations Bureau of my office.

The New York City Police Department and the tireless work of its detectives and officers, both presently working and retired, who never wavered from their commitment to close this case. Also to the many volunteers and courageous witnesses who came forward after many years to see that justice was served.

Finally, my heart goes out to the family of Holly Ann Hughes. I hope you find some peace in seeing that her abductor will never again be able to victimize a child.