On April 28, 2023, federal authorities arrested three illegal immigrant suspects in connection with the kidnapping of a mother and her 13-month-old baby in Garner, North Carolina. The suspects, identified as Eleodoro “Leo” Estrada-Hernandez, Paola Duran Duran, and Miguel Angel Duran Duran, were charged with multiple counts, including two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count of second-degree kidnapping each. In addition to these charges, Estrada-Hernandez faces serious offenses related to firearm possession and assault. The FBI played a critical role in the response, quickly collaborating with local law enforcement to initiate an intensive investigative operation after the kidnapping request was made.
The incident began when the victims were unloading groceries at their home. They noticed a suspicious black Nissan Altima driving by repeatedly. Soon after, a woman, later identified as Paola, knocked on their door, inquiring about a nonexistent individual named “Maria.” Following this exchange, two masked men—Miguel and Estrada-Hernandez—forced their way inside, overpowering the woman’s husband by duct-taping him and demanding a ransom of $1 million, as detailed in court documents. The family’s vulnerability during this moment marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal that would involve significant psychological and physical threats.
The suspects proceeded to take the mother and her infant out of the house at gunpoint, forcing them into the Altima. Estrada-Hernandez escaped the scene shortly thereafter. Miguel and Paola then transported the woman and her child to a secluded trailer in Wake Forest, where they made an alarming demand for the woman to bathe to eliminate evidence. Strikingly, the suspects received an Amber Alert about their own victims on their phones, which created a sense of urgency and panic among them.
Ultimately, the suspects left the mother and her child on a deserted dirt road surrounded by woods. After their release, the victims managed to find assistance from a nearby home in Wake Forest, prompting the resident to contact law enforcement. In a series of coordinated responses, authorities rapidly mobilized to locate and apprehend the suspects involved in this terrifying crime. Tracks led the FBI and local police to discover that Hernandez had orchestrated the abduction and had promised his accomplices substantial financial compensation for their involvement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar underscored the collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that violent crime investigations will continue to be a priority in their initiatives. The case reflects a serious commitment to addressing crimes of this nature, integrating multiple resources to pursue justice for victims. With maximum possible sentences looming for the defendants—up to life in prison—prosecutors are preparing to navigate the complexities of this case with a focus on accountability.
The arrests of Estrada-Hernandez, Paola, and Miguel have highlighted broader concerns over illegal immigration and criminal activities within the United States. These events underscore the necessity for law enforcement to maintain vigilance against such crimes and to protect the safety of communities. The swift and effective response to this incident exemplifies the importance of interagency cooperation, combining investigative techniques, technology, and manpower in the battle against organized crime and violent acts. As the legal proceedings unfold, the details of the case will be closely monitored, demonstrating the community’s resolve in confronting these deeply troubling challenges.
