On Friday, North Carolina officials reported that they had apprehended a third suspect linked to the kidnapping of a mother and her toddler daughter from their home in Garner earlier that week.
Initially, authorities had arrested two individuals, Paola Duran Duran, 25, and Miguel Angel Duran Duran, 23, who faced multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count related to a second kidnapping.
Following a manhunt, the third suspect, Eleodro “Leo” Estrada Hernandez, was located and taken into custody on Friday.
The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI) confirmed, “FBI agents have arrested Eleodro ‘Leo’ Estrada Hernandez in connection with the kidnapping. He was apprehended in Knightdale.”
The charges against Hernandez include two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of second-degree kidnapping, one count of felony firearm possession, and two counts of assault by pointing a firearm.
The incident reportedly escalated when the suspects demanded $1 million from the victim’s husband. When he declined, they allegedly restrained him with duct tape, lured his wife and their 11-month-old daughter, and took them in a black Nissan.
Fortunately, the two victims were safely recovered after a local resident noticed a woman with a baby seeking assistance and contacted the police.
Within less than a day, the Garner Police Department managed to indict and arrest the two initial suspects involved in this disturbing case. They are currently held at the Wake County Detention Center.
The immigration status of Estrada Hernandez remains unclear, while it has been reported that Paola and Miguel have been processed by ICE. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the suspects following their arrest, as the situation continues to be investigated by multiple agencies.
