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New details emerge in attempted kidnapping

Posted at 10:38 PM, May 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-18 22:55:39-04

New leads could help solve the mystery of Jessica Heeringa's disappearance from the west side of our state.

Police are now sure a suspected kidnapper from another case could also be involved in Jessica’s disappearance.

7 Action News has learned investigators now believe Jeffrey Willis is connected to the shocking disappearance of Heeringa from a Norton Shores gas station where she worked 3 years ago.

Today, MSP detectives say they found syringes and handcuffs in Willis’s van.

They also searched another home in the same part of the state, where Willis’s relatives live and he spent time.

The 25-year-old Heeringa's case stunned so many across the country and still no one knows what happened.

The 46-year-old Willis is also believed was arrested this week for the recent attempted abduction of a 16-year-old girl who had lost her phone and needed help.

Willis somehow got her into his silver van - just like the one seen nearby when Heeringa disappeared.

Family members still are not sure what will come out of this latest twist.

Meantime, Willis has been charged with kidnapping, assault and weapon possession for the mid-April attempted abduction of that 16-year-old.