Two Venezuelan Nationals Accused of Kidnap and Attempted Murder of Washington State Woman

Two Venezuelan Nationals Accused of Kidnap and Attempted Murder of Washington State Woman

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed detainers on two Venezuelan nationals, one of whom has potential connections to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The suspects are accused of kidnapping a woman in Washington state, torturing her with a power drill, and attempting to kill her earlier this year.

Kevin Daniel Sanabria Ojeda, age 24, and Alexander Moises Arnaez-Gutierrez, age 25, faced serious charges last week in King County, Washington. The charges include kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder, according to law enforcement officials.

Details of the Abduction

A senior official from ICE confirmed that both individuals are illegal immigrants from Venezuela and have been detained by local authorities. The horrific incident began when Sanabria Ojeda and Arnaez-Gutierrez allegedly abducted the victim as she returned home to her apartment in Burien around 10 p.m. on January 21.

As the crime unfolded, the men forced the woman into a vehicle. During the confrontation, a firearm was discharged, escalating the seriousness of the situation.

Violence and Threats

According to the arrest report from the King County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects resorted to extreme measures against the victim. They used a power drill on her hand, demanding access to her cell phone and bank accounts. The intensity of the threats was alarming. They reportedly told her they would kill her, harm her family, and dispose of her body in a way that no one would find it.

After the abduction, the report indicates that the suspects transported the woman to Kittitas County. In a chilling act, they shot her on the side of Interstate 90.

The investigation report detailed that the suspects abandoned the woman, leaving her for dead near a mountain pass.

A Desperate Escape

Miraculously, the woman survived. After approximately 15 minutes of lying still, she managed to scale a retaining wall and alert authorities for help. Following her courageous escape, she was transported to a nearby hospital.

While in the hospital, detectives interviewed her. She recounted her ordeal, disclosing that she initially believed the suspects had killed her. The woman shared that she had pretended to be dead after being shot in the shoulder to survive the brutal encounter.

Investigation and Arrests

With the involvement of the FBI, law enforcement agencies worked meticulously to track down the suspect’s vehicle, which was ultimately located in a motel in Illinois. Surveillance video helped detectives identify Sanabria Ojeda as a key suspect just a week after the horrific kidnapping.

Following his identification, investigators apprehended Sanabria Ojeda. A search of his hotel room led to the discovery of jewelry belonging to the kidnapped woman, which further incriminated him.

During questioning, Sanabria Ojeda reportedly admitted to participating in the kidnapping, car theft, robbery, and attempted murder of the victim.

Second Suspect Arrested

In a separate development, Mercer Island Police arrested Arnaez-Gutierrez following a traffic stop last week. His apprehension added another layer to the troubling case.

Gang Affiliation

The King County Sheriff’s Office indicated that one of the suspects likely has connections to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang from Venezuela known for its criminal activities, including extortion and kidnapping.

The case highlights pressing issues surrounding illegal immigration, gang activity, and violent crime in the United States.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the full extent of the crime. The community grapples with the implications of such violence occurring locally, and law enforcement urges anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward.

As the judicial process unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for the victim and addressing the broader concerns surrounding immigration and public safety that this case brings to the forefront.

A Community Reflects

Residents of Burien and surrounding areas are left in shock, realizing that such terrifying events can occur within their neighborhoods. Local leaders emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As further details emerge, the gravity of this case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that exist in addressing crime linked to organized gangs and the broader implications of immigration policy in the United States.