Kidnapped woman recovering in Ogden hospital after abductor kills himself

By Amy Macavinta

April 2, 2008 | BOX ELDER COUNTY -- An Idaho woman is recovering in an Ogden hospital after being kidnapped at gunpoint, shot in the leg, and witnessing the suicide of her former boyfriend and kidnapper.

Louise Erdman, of Boise, was at home with her children Sunday night when she was abducted by James D. Rose, Jr. Her ordeal ended Monday morning five miles west of the Golden Spike Historical Site in western Box Elder County.

According to Box Elder Deputy Sheriff Kevin Potter, they first received a call just after 2 a.m. after the two stopped in Snowville. Rose attempted to buy a six-pack of beer, but store policy prohibits the sale of alcohol after 1 a.m. When the clerk refused to sell him the beer, Rose left with the beer in hand anyway, telling the clerk someone had been shot and needed help.

"The clerk called 911, and then went outside to assist, but Rose had left the area," said Potter. "We were unable to locate him."

Later in the morning, Rose approached two rabbit hunters near the Golden Spike and again stated that someone had been shot -- but asked them not to call the police. This raised their suspicions, so they placed a call to dispatch at approximately 9 a.m.

Some of the county's law enforcement was already in western Box Elder County searching for a missing hiker near Clear Creek. A Utah Highway Patrol helicopter was diverted to the scene to help locate Erdman and Rose. Other agencies also helped cover the sheriff's office.

"There were at least four highway patrolmen, and a couple Fish and Game officers; we sent the deputies we had available, and we cleared out our detective division," said Potter. "We were fortunate to have that kind of coverage."

As officers approached the car, Rose shot himself in the head and died at the scene. Erdman, who was sitting in the passenger seat, was inside the car with a gunshot wound to the leg. She was flown by helicopter to McKay-Dee Hospital, where she is recovering.

Potter said Boise police have confirmed that Erdman and Rose had an on-and-off relationship with a history of domestic violence, and also had a child together.

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