In an intriguing turn of events, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed the recovery of a woman who fell victim to a kidnapping incident in Mexico precisely a year ago. Monica de Leon Barba, a resident of San Mateo, has been successfully liberated by her captors on the 14th of July, as reported by the FBI.
The unfortunate incident took place on the 29th of November, 2022, in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, Mexico. On that fateful day, Monica was returning home with her canine companion when the kidnapping occurred.
Monica de Leon Barba spent most of her life in California but later chose to relocate to Mexico due to an enticing job opportunity in the field of photography. The news of her safe retrieval brings relief to her family, as she is now set to return to the United States.
Expressing their elation at the successful reunion of Monica and her family, Special Agent In Charge Robert Tripp of the FBI San Francisco Field Office stated, “For the past eight months, FBI personnel in California and Mexico have worked tirelessly with the family and with partners here and in Mexico. Our relief and joy at the safe return of Monica and Gael is profound.
The FBI investigation is far from over, but we can now work this case knowing an innocent victim is reunited with her family. On behalf of the FBI, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our law enforcement partners, to the family, and to the San Mateo community for their continued engagement and advocacy. They never forgot Monica, and neither did we.”
As the search for the perpetrators continues, authorities have not yet made any arrests. Meanwhile, in a separate case, a family in Southern California is still grappling with the disappearance of their mother, who was similarly abducted in Mexico.
Maria Del Carmen Lopez, aged 63, was taken from her Mexican residence in February, and her family is tirelessly raising awareness about her plight.
Despite their own struggle, Zonia Lopez, the daughter of Maria, remains hopeful after hearing about Monica de Leon Barba’s discovery, believing it might lead to a breakthrough in her mother’s case as well. The FBI is also actively investigating Lopez’s kidnapping.
In conclusion, the successful retrieval of Monica de Leon Barba stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in both Mexico and California. As the investigations continue, it is hoped that justice will be served, and the missing mother from Southern California will be brought back to her family’s embrace.