A North Carolina family’s horrifying ordeal came to an end as authorities arrested a third suspect in connection with a kidnapping case where masked intruders demanded $1 million ransom for a mother and her infant daughter.
At a Glance
- North Carolina authorities arrested Eleodoro “Leo” Estrada-Hernandez, the third suspect in a high-stakes kidnapping of a mother and her toddler in Garner
- Two other suspects, siblings Paola and Miguel Angel Duran Duran, were arrested earlier and have ICE detainers due to their illegal immigration status
- The armed kidnappers demanded $1 million from the father, who was left restrained with duct tape during the ordeal
- The mother and child were safely recovered after they escaped and sought help at a stranger’s home
Armed Home Invasion Leads to Kidnapping
The terrifying incident began when armed and masked suspects broke into Eliuth Alejandro Martinez’s home in Garner, North Carolina, demanding money. When the family couldn’t meet their demand for $1 million, the intruders restrained Martinez with duct tape and forcibly took his wife and infant daughter, fleeing the scene in a black Nissan Altima. The brazen kidnapping triggered an immediate multi-agency response, with local police, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI joining forces to locate the victims and track down the perpetrators.
Law enforcement officials moved swiftly to investigate the case, implementing a coordinated search for the mother and child. The victims were discovered the following day after they managed to escape their captors and sought assistance from a resident in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Their safe recovery brought relief to investigators and community members alike who had been on high alert since the kidnapping was reported.
🇺🇸 ILLEGAL ALIENS KIDNAP MOTHER AND BABY AFTER FAMILY REFUSES MILLION-DOLLAR RANSOM
A trio of criminals—including two illegal immigrants—abducted a North Carolina mother and her 11-month-old daughter at gunpoint after the family couldn't produce a $1 million payment.
The masked… https://t.co/xBd2WLJgjs pic.twitter.com/bh2PVp4U0i
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 1, 2025
Swift Arrests and Immigration Concerns
Within 24 hours of the kidnapping, investigators identified and apprehended two suspects — siblings Paola Duran Duran and Miguel Angel Duran Duran. Both were taken into custody and face multiple serious charges related to the kidnapping. According to authorities, the siblings are in the United States illegally, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both individuals. They remain held in the Wake County Detention Center awaiting court proceedings.
“In less than 24 hours, through incredible collaborative investigative efforts, the Garner Police Department charged and arrested two people in connection to the kidnapping. The subjects below are being held in the Wake County Detention Center,” said the Garner Police Department.
The third suspect, Eleodoro “Leo” Estrada-Hernandez, initially evaded capture, prompting authorities to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The FBI eventually located and apprehended Estrada-Hernandez in Knightdale, North Carolina, bringing a conclusion to the manhunt. He now faces charges including first and second-degree kidnapping, felony firearm possession, and assault by pointing a firearm. Officials have not yet confirmed Estrada-Hernandez’s immigration status.
Community Relief and Ongoing Investigation
The safe recovery of the victims has brought a sense of relief to the Garner community, though questions remain about the motive behind the targeted kidnapping and the connection between the perpetrators and the family. Investigators continue to gather evidence and build their case against the three suspects, who face lengthy prison sentences if convicted of the serious charges against them.
“The Garner Police Department is thankful these victims were recovered safely,” police officials stated. “Investigators quickly uncovered evidence and began to follow multiple leads to locate the victims.”
The case highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to resolve dangerous situations. The involvement of the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and local police departments demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities treated the kidnapping. The swift resolution and arrests underscore the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement operations when responding to violent crimes that threaten public safety.
