Suspect in Delaware child abduction, rape seeks bail reduction

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - A Delaware man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl before throwing her into a pond to die is asking a judge to reduce his bail.

Daniel M. Santucci Jr. of Wilmington was ordered held in lieu of more than $1 million cash bail when he was arrested earlier this year.

In addition to a bail reduction, the 24-year-old is also asking for a state-appointed attorney. A Thursday hearing is scheduled on the requests.

MORE: Man charged in girl's kidnapping, sex assault

Authorities say the girl was playing outside with other children on April 6 when a man lured her into a car. She was later found in Delaware by a good Samaritan.

Santucci was arrested in Florida two weeks later.

He was indicted in September on charges including attempted murder, kidnapping and rape.