Irvine Police got the initial call on Dec 30, 2023 in reference to a burglary, kidnapping, and theft on Oak Street in Irvine.
Melissa Riddle, approximately 60 years of age, told police someone broke into her house, beat and robbed her, then kidnapped her.
Miss Riddle said the kidnapping occurred after attempts to kill her failed. She said the perpetrator, 41-year-old Tanya Renee Mullins, aka Tanya Walling, tried to smother Miss Riddle by pouring rubbing alcohol in her face. She then used a pillow to try and smother her before resorting to attempting to choke her to death with her bare hands.
Mullins then allegedly kidnapped Miss Riddle using Riddles own car to go to Whitesburg. Riddle says was threatened with death with a loaded handgun several times if she did not comply, or if she reported the incident to authorities.
Miss Riddle also said Mullins was going to kill her and her family.
According to police, while enroute to Whitesburg – Tanya Mullins picked up a couple more people. They stopped along the way using the Riddle’s cash and credit cards at various stores.
Once in Whitesburg, they also used Riddles cash for hotel rooms. Miss Riddle was left alone for a moment which allowed her to obtain her keys, get to her car and escape. She drove herself back to Irvine, where she reported the incident to authorities.
Miss Riddle sustained serious injuries including 3 crushed vertebrae in her back, and multiple contusions on her head and body.
An arrest warrant was obtained for Tanya Mullins arrest and was served by KSP post 13 on Friday Jan 5, 2024 around 8 p.m. That was on Thornton Road in Whitesburg.
Mullins was charged with Robbery 1st, Burglary 1st, Assault 1st, Kidnapping with serious physical injury, Theft by unlawful taking (firearm), (auto) (controlled substance), Wanton Endangerment 1st, and Attempted Murder.
This is an ongoing investigation by the Irvine Police Department with other potential charges pending.
Miss Mullins is lodged in Letcher County Jail.
