A California family was targeted by a Mexican family who allegedly kidnapped a loved one and demanded a $70,000 ransom. Mario Alex “Shyboy” Medina, along with his son, Jose Salud “Gordo” Medina, and his sister, Maria Alejandra Medina, kidnapped their neighbor in Mexico and threatened him with violence. The victim was taken at gunpoint, pistol-whipped, and threatened with a firearm. The kidnappers also fired a gun near the victim’s head. They then contacted the victim’s family in Los Angeles County and demanded a large sum of money for his release. The family received a video of the victim being beaten, and Jose Medina threatened to kill him if they did not pay $30,000.
The kidnappers arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a McDonald’s restaurant near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Ysidro, California. Jose and Maria Medina collected the $30,000 payment and returned to Mexico with the money. The victim was left tied up in a trench until being rescued by Mexican law enforcement later that day. The family of three is facing charges of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and conspiracy to demand ransom. Mario and Jose Medina are also charged with making foreign communications with intent to extort. Maria Medina is currently in federal custody awaiting arraignment, while Mario Medina awaits a detention hearing and Jose Medina is incarcerated in Mexico.
If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The FBI is actively investigating the case.
