Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
Three individuals from Raleigh appeared in federal court to face charges related to the kidnapping of a mother and her toddler from their home in Garner, North Carolina. Eleodoro Estrada-Hernandez, 37, along with siblings Paola Duran Duran, 25, and Miguel Duran Duran, 23, are charged with kidnapping and aiding and abetting. The charges were unsealed during their initial court appearances. Their detention hearings are set for May 12, 2025.
According to the criminal complaints, on April 28, 2025, Paola and Miguel entered the Garner home wearing ski masks while Hernandez was armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Inside were a husband and wife with their 13-month-old child. Hernandez and Miguel allegedly overpowered the husband by restraining him and demanded $1 million. Meanwhile, Miguel and Paola reportedly forced the mother and child into a car before Hernandez left the scene. The husband managed to free himself and contact police after providing a description of the vehicle used by the kidnappers.
An Amber Alert was issued shortly after the incident. The complaint states that the kidnappers released the mother and child on a dirt road about 30 miles away from their home. They found help at a nearby house and contacted authorities before being safely returned home.
The FBI arrested Paola and Miguel on April 29, while Hernandez was apprehended on May 2. All three defendants are allegedly in the United States illegally.
Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar commented on the case: “These significant federal charges result from the prompt response of law enforcement and demonstrate the close partnership between all of the agencies involved.” He emphasized that prosecuting violent crimes remains a priority for his office.
Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina stated: “When our partners at the Garner Police Department requested FBI assistance with a kidnapping, we surged resources from across the state... Through investigative technology... thankfully the victims were recovered safely.”
If convicted, Estrada-Hernandez, Paola Duran Duran, and Miguel Duran Duran face up to life imprisonment for kidnapping and aiding charges.
The announcement was made by Daniel P. Bubar with investigations conducted by multiple agencies including FBI Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Garner Police Department among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Avera is handling prosecution.
