Camilla Jessen
Police say the victim had visible injuries and was reportedly shot with a BB gun during captivity.
Five people have been arrested in Austin, Texas, after a woman was discovered handcuffed outside a home where she claimed to have been held captive for months, according to the Austin Police Department.
Officers responded to a welfare check at the home around 9 a.m. on October 30 after a neighbor called 911, reporting that a woman appeared to be restrained and was yelling for help.
When officers arrived, they found the woman handcuffed to a piece of exercise equipment in the yard.
Authorities said the woman showed “visible injuries consistent with prolonged restraint” and was in clear physical distress.
Held captive for several months
According to court documents obtained by KVUE, the woman told police she had been held inside the home for several months and was not allowed to leave.
She also alleged she had been repeatedly shot with a BB gun, a claim supported by small scars on her body and an apparent pellet injury to her eye.
Officers reportedly had to cut through “heavy metal links” to release the woman from her restraints.
She was then taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
Five people arrested
Five people were arrested: Michelle Garcia, 51; Crystal Garcia, 21; Juan Pablo Castro, 30; Mache Carney, 32; and Maynard Lefevers, 21.
All face multiple felony charges including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to elderly or disabled, and unlawful restraint. It is unclear whether any of the suspects have entered pleas or retained legal counsel.
Police said three children who were found inside the home were removed and placed in the care of Child Protective Services for their safety.
The investigation is ongoing.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation
