Mistrial Declared in High-Profile Kidnapping and Murder Case

A jury in Texas has declared a mistrial in the case against Carlos Zambrano Bolivar, a Venezuelan gang member accused of murder and kidnapping. The jury could not come to a unanimous decision after several days of deliberation.

Prosecutors from Dallas County asserted that Bolivar was involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Nilsfree Petit, a 33-year-old man who they say was taken on behalf of the violent Torren de Aragua gang. Reports indicate that Petit was abducted from an apartment complex alongside his nephew and daughter.

Ultimately, Petit was discovered shot dead on the roadside in Farmers Branch, raising significant concerns among authorities.

The jury deliberated for three days, but on Monday, they reached another impasse. Judge Ernest White commented on the situation: “Let the record reflect that the jury deliberated on this issue for three full days, and as such, the court will declare a mistrial in this case.”

Authorities claimed that Petit was linked to a nationwide ATM theft ring, suggesting that he was potentially withholding funds from gang members. On August 24, 2024, he was forcibly taken, and just days later, found deceased.

Bolivar was named as a suspect in October 2024, along with three other gang affiliates.

Bolivar’s defense attorney contended that he was a victim of sex trafficking, acting under duress, and fearful for his own safety and that of his family. In contrast, prosecutors argued that video evidence taken after Petit’s murder suggested Bolivar was not in any immediate threat.

“The jury couldn’t decide if Mr. Carlos acted out of free will or if he was coerced by fear,” defense attorney Sean Deledia stated. “In such a scenario, the state has not proven its case. We appreciate the jury’s time and effort throughout this lengthy trial, and we look forward to sharing Carlos’s complete story.”

Interestingly, Bolivar had declined a pre-trial plea deal that would have sentenced him to 50 years in prison.

A new jury will be assembled for Bolivar’s retrial, expected later this year. This case marks the first capital murder trial in Dallas County connected to the Torren de Aragua gang.