A terrifying early morning home invasion in Garner ended with a sigh of relief after a mother and her 13-month-old daughter—both kidnapped at gunpoint during a $1 million ransom attempt—were found safe just hours later, according to law enforcement.
Home Invasion and Ransom Demand
At approximately 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, three armed individuals—two men and one woman—broke into a residence on Buck Branch Drive in Garner. The suspects confronted homeowner Eliuth Alejandro Martinez, demanding $1 million. When he refused, they restrained him using tape and abducted his wife, Alondra Michelle Benitez De Jesus, and their 13-month-old daughter, Grecia Salome Alejandro-Benitez.
Amber Alert Issued for Missing Child
An Amber Alert was quickly activated for Grecia. Authorities described her as having brown hair and brown eyes and last seen wearing a pink pajama shirt with red and yellow striped pants. The alert initiated a widespread search involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and SBI.
Mother and Baby Found Safe in Wake Forest
Just before 7:45 a.m.—about five and a half hours after the abduction—both Alondra and her daughter Grecia were found alive and safe in Wake Forest, approximately 30 miles north of Garner. Authorities have not yet released details about the rescue operation or whether the suspects were present at the time.
“We are incredibly grateful to report that both the mother and child have been recovered safely,” said a spokesperson for the Garner Police Department. “Our work is far from over, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”
Investigation Ongoing – No Arrests Yet
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made. The Garner Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue to pursue leads.
Suspect Descriptions and Vehicle Information
The suspects are described as:
Two Hispanic males
One Hispanic female, short and stocky with curly black hair
They were reportedly driving a black Nissan Altima. Investigators are urging the public to come forward with any tips.
If you have information, contact Garner Police at (919) 772-8810 or call 911.
They arrested the kidnappers. They said they were from another country.