San Francisco Woman Abducted in Mexico Released After Eight Months in Captivity
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Monica De Leon Barba, a San Mateo woman who was abducted in Mexico and held captive for eight months, has finally been released. The news brings relief to her friends and family who have been tirelessly advocating for her return.
Surveillance video captured the moment De Leon Barba was kidnapped on November 29, 2022, in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, as she was walking home from work with her dog. The video showed her being confronted and forced into a vehicle while her dog ran free.
Anissa Livas, a friend of De Leon Barba, expressed her happiness at the news of her release. “Waking up tomorrow, I think we can all breathe a little bit easier, and it’s a much happier day because of it,” Livas said. She had been leading the charge to bring her friend home, pressuring local officials and even reaching out to President Biden for assistance.
In March, the FBI announced a $40,000 reward for information about De Leon Barba’s disappearance and released the video of her kidnapping. The reward was aimed at encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
On Saturday, the FBI announced that De Leon Barba had been released by her captors the previous night. In a statement, the FBI said, ”The FBI is pleased to announce that Monica De Leon Barba is safe and en route to the United States where she will be reunited with her family and dog after eight months in captivity. No arrests have been made, and an investigation into the identities of her captors is ongoing.”
De Leon Barba’s brother, Gustavo, shared a photo on Saturday of him and his sister on a plane, expressing his gratitude to everyone who supported their family throughout the ordeal. “For the first time in a very long time, we have good news! I need to thank every single person that helped my family and I through this entire ordeal. We can all finally close this chapter in our lives and work on the long road of healing we have ahead,” he wrote.
While the family is not ready to speak publicly, De Leon Barba’s friends have been given permission to share their joy. Valerie Sherwood, another friend, described the past eight months as “crazy” and ”exhausting.” She expressed her relief that De Leon Barba is finally safe.
“We’re eager to see her, but understanding that she may need some space and time, but just very, very happy that she’s back home,” Livas added.
Authorities are still searching for the suspects involved in the abduction, and no arrests have been made yet.
The release of Monica De Leon Barba brings hope and relief to her loved ones, who can now begin the healing process after this traumatic experience.
How did Monica’s friends and community advocacy contribute to her eventual release?
E family received a ransom demand from the kidnappers. Desperate to secure her release, they reached out to local authorities and even sought the help of the U.S. government. However, no progress was made in locating Monica or negotiating her release.
After eight long months, Monica’s family received the amazing news that she had been released. The details of her release are still unclear, but her safe return has brought immense relief to her loved ones.
Monica’s abduction had a profound impact on her friends and community, who rallied together to advocate for her release. Anissa Livas, a close friend of Monica, played a significant role in leading the efforts to bring attention to the case and put pressure on officials to take action. Livas expressed her happiness at the news, stating that it is a much happier day for everyone now that Monica is back.
Monica’s kidnapping was captured on surveillance video, which showed her being forcibly taken into a vehicle while her dog escaped. The video became a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation, and authorities in Mexico are likely to continue their efforts to apprehend those responsible.
It is still unclear why Monica was targeted for abduction, and further details about her time in captivity have not been released. However, her release marks a significant victory in a case that seemed grim for such a long time.
Monica’s friends and family, while celebrating her return, are also aware that the trauma she endured during her captivity will have long-lasting effects. They are rallying around her, offering support and love as she begins the process of healing and rebuilding her life.
The release of Monica De Leon Barba is a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support. It serves as a beacon of hope for other families who are grappling with the anguish of a loved one’s abduction.
