Three illegal immigrants, including a previously deported felon, have been arrested in connection with the armed kidnapping of a young mother and her one-year-old daughter in Garner, North Carolina. FBI agents and local authorities acted swiftly to apprehend all suspects within days of the abduction.
Paola Duran Duran, 25, and her brother Miguel Angel Duran Duran, 23—both Mexican nationals—were taken into custody Tuesday. Each faces two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count of second-degree kidnapping. On Friday, 35-year-old Eleodoro “Leo” Estrada-Hernandez was arrested by the FBI and faces a broader list of charges, including possession of a firearm by a felon and assault by pointing a firearm.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised law enforcement for their rapid action. “Within 24 hours of the reported kidnapping, they arrested two suspects — and Estrada-Hernandez is now the third. He is an illegal immigrant who had been previously deported,” Patel said. “Most importantly, I’m thankful to report both the mother and baby were found safely.”
The kidnapping occurred late Monday night at a home on Buck Branch Drive. The suspects allegedly broke in wearing masks and carrying firearms. They reportedly demanded a $1 million ransom and, when it wasn’t paid, tied up a male occupant before abducting Alondra Michelle Benitez De Jesus and her 1-year-old daughter, Grecia Salome Alejandro-Benitez.
An Amber Alert was issued around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Just over five hours later, both mother and child were found safe at a home in Wake Forest.
The Duran siblings were denied bond during their court appearance Wednesday and were labeled flight risks. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued detainers against them. Estrada-Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
The case has reignited concerns over immigration enforcement and public safety, especially in light of the suspects’ immigration status and prior criminal history.
