North Carolina Man Accused of Keeping Woman Captive for 5 Months, Allegedly Raped Her and Transported Her in a Trash Bin

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A North Carolina man already charged with kidnapping has now been charged with additional counts — including rape — in a neighboring county.

In May, Winston Aaron Eccleston, aged 26, faced charges from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for kidnapping after a missing woman resurfaced and recounted her ordeal. According to an arrest warrant, Eccleston “unlawfully confined” the victim and moved her against her will, as reported by WLOS. Though the warrant mentions a sexual assault, no charges related to that were filed in Buncombe County.

The victim recounted to Law&Crime that she encountered Eccleston in Asheville, Buncombe County, and took a ride from him, which soon took a dangerous turn.

Meanwhile, authorities in Haywood County have added further charges, according to WHNS. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office accused Eccleston of two kidnapping counts, 12 counts of rape, and firearms violations, while the Maggie Valley Police Department charged him with kidnapping and rape.

Warrants for his arrest say he raped the victim using a power tool, tubing, and a syringe,

One warrant, as noted by Law&Crime, mentioned the victim being chained inside a camper and confined in boxes by Eccleston to prevent her escape. She detailed incidents of physical and verbal threats meant to deter her from leaving.

The victim described her confinement in two campers at an RV park in Waynesville, west of Asheville, and occasional outings with Eccleston’s father, including a visit to Applebee’s.

The documents revealed that the victim had been to Eccleston’s father’s residence, believed to be Stephen Eccleston, located off Pollywood Park, where they visited for meals and showers. She further recounted being transported in a trash can on a work buggy, and at one point, the father cautioned Winston about police presence, indicating his awareness of her situation.

Search warrants indicate investigators found evidence corroborating the woman’s story. When investigators executed search warrants at the RV park, they found five dogs along with weapons and pieces of tactical gear.

“Multiple ropes and locks were located throughout along with an additional set of handcuffs,” a warrant reads. “As the search continued silver in color truck toolbox laid on the floor by the exterior wall was observed. Set on the toolbox was a black in color plastic container that contained several zip ties, rope, gloves, face mask, and a whip.

“As the investigation continued, the toolbox was opened and immediately noticed the odor from inside the toolbox was similar to the smell of human [defecation]. Laid inside was several blankets, socks and a chain. The floor of the toolbox was lined with carpet.”

Detectives also said they found a set of handcuffs affixed to a chain and a door “with several locks on the exterior.” Inside the door, they found several cameras pointed in the room.

Eccleston’s father has not been charged. The younger man is being held at the Haywood County Detention Center without bond. He is due in court on September 15.

Eccleston and his then girlfriend pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in 2018 after they had been charged with child abuse and homicide in the death of their 3-month-old daughter in 2016, WLOS said. The baby girl was found face down on a pillow, but the medical examiner could not say that the parents had put the girl to sleep on her stomach, so prosecutors dropped the homicide and abuse charges.