509.040 Kidnapping.
(1) A person is guilty of kidnapping when he unlawfully restrains another person and
when his intent is: <br>(a) To hold him for ransom or reward; or <br>(b) To accomplish or to advance the commission of a felony; or <br>(c) To inflict bodily injury or to terrorize the victim or another; or <br>(d) To interfere with the performance of a governmental or political function; or <br>(e) To use him as a shield or hostage; or <br>(f) To deprive the parents or guardian of the custody of a minor, when the person
taking the minor is not a person exercising custodial control or supervision of <br>the minor as the term "person exercising custodial control or supervision" is <br>defined in KRS 600.020.
(2) Kidnapping is a Class B felony when the victim is released alive and in a safe place
prior to trial, except as provided in this section. Kidnapping is a Class A felony <br>when the victim is released alive but the victim has suffered serious physical injury <br>during the kidnapping, or as a result of not being released in a safe place, or as a <br>result of being released in any circumstances which are intended, known or should <br>have been known to cause or lead to serious physical injury. Kidnapping is a capital <br>offense when the victim is not released alive or when the victim is released alive but <br>subsequently dies as a result of: <br>(a) Serious physical injuries suffered during the kidnapping; or <br>(b) Not being released in a safe place; or <br>(c) Being released in any circumstances which are intended, known or should
have been known to cause or lead to the victim's death.
Effective: July 15, 2002 <br>History: Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 120, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended
1980 Ky. Acts ch. 48, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts <br>ch. 406, sec. 76, effective January 1, 1975.
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