A 26-year-old man from North Carolina, Winston Eccleston, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and raping a woman, keeping her locked up for nearly five months.
According to police, the woman was chained, abused, and moved around in a trash can. Shockingly, she was even taken out in public — once to an Applebee’s restaurant where the suspect’s father joined them for a meal.
How the Nightmare Began
The woman first met Eccleston in Asheville in January 2025 when he offered her a ride. But what seemed like a harmless gesture turned into a terrifying experience. She told police that soon after accepting the ride, she was taken against her will, locked inside two different campers, and physically and sexually assaulted repeatedly.
She managed to escape and spoke with investigators in late May. Until then, she hadn’t been seen for months.
Chained, Locked, and Trapped
According to the police reports and search warrants, the woman described being chained inside a camper, shut inside wooden and metal boxes, and constantly monitored. She said Eccleston used violence and threats to stop her from escaping.
Police later searched the RV park on Weeping Cherry Drive in Waynesville, where they discovered five malnourished dogs, filthy living conditions, and a stash of weapons — including an AR-15 style rifle, pistols, and tactical gear. Handcuffs, ropes, a whip, and other tools used for restraint were also found inside the camper.
One metal toolbox found inside reportedly had the smell of human waste, and it contained blankets, a chain, and other disturbing items, confirming the woman’s claims of being held in inhumane conditions.
Public Outings Despite the Captivity
Despite the horror she faced, the woman told investigators that Eccleston sometimes took her out in public. On one occasion, she was allegedly brought to his father’s house to take a shower and even joined the two men for dinner at Applebee’s.
In a strange twist, during a jail conversation between Eccleston and his father, they spoke about the victim, with the son asking if the father still had “the photo of her free.” The father replied he did and even mentioned trying to recall the exact date they went to Applebee’s.
Though his father, Stephen Eccleston, is mentioned several times in the case files, he has not been charged with any crimes as of now.
Arrest and Next Steps
Winston Eccleston was arrested in late May. He is now facing serious charges including forcible rape, kidnapping, and firearms offenses. He is being held in the Haywood County Detention Center without bond, and his next court appearance is set for September 15.
This case is both shocking and heartbreaking. A woman was reportedly kept in chains for months, while her abuser took her out in public, even dining with family. The details shared by the victim and the disturbing evidence found by police support her terrifying story.
While Winston Eccleston now faces trial, this case reminds us how important it is to speak up, report suspicious activities, and ensure that justice is served, especially for victims who suffer in silence for so long.
