Teen kidnapping suspect says drug cartel debt was motive


by Katie Lopez


Posted: 07.09.2012 at 5:47 PM




A teen accused of kidnapping a woman from her place of work in Weslaco faced a judge on Monday afternoon.

Action 4 News was in court where authorities revealed it isn't the teen’s first brush with the law.

The teen kidnapping suspect’s criminal record includes assault and resisting arrest just to name a few.

With his hands and legs cuffed together, the 16-year-old stood quietly in the 449th State District Court.

Prosecutors recounted the reason he was there.

The teen is accused of kidnapping a woman from Auto Sales in Weslaco and holding her for ransom at a home in San Carlos.

Investigators said the woman escaped and was able to call for help.

During the hearing, prosecutors stressed that the teen should remain in juvenile custody because his actions prove he is a danger to the community.

The teen spoke out during the hearing saying the reason he kidnapped the woman is because he owes money to a drug lord.

The teen said he fled to Mexico for protection but came back after his mother started receiving threatening phone calls.

He said the only reason he kidnapped the woman was to pay back a debt.
The teen will be back in court for a status hearing on August 1st.

Prosecutors are asking that the teen be tried as an adult.

Teen kidnapping suspect says drug cartel debt was motive : News : ValleyCentral.com


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Kidnapped Weslaco woman escapes captors, teen arrested : News : ValleyCentral.com