Four Texas teenagers have been charged in connection with what authorities describe as a premeditated abduction and violent assault of a former classmate inside a residential garage, in a case that investigators say escalated over a personal dispute.
Court records identify the suspects as 17-year-olds Jose Rojas-Alvarado, Oscar Armando Santiago-Martinez, Angel Lemus-Perez, and Carlos Roberto Oliva-Villeda, The Houston Chronicle reported.
All four face charges of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon and engaging in organized criminal activity, both first-degree felonies under Texas law.
Authorities say the case stems from an incident in which the alleged victim left Del Valle High School with three of the suspects, believing he was being taken to get food.
Investigators allege the group instead bypassed a restaurant and transported him to a residence where the fourth suspect was already present, The Blaze reported.
According to court documents, the victim was brought into a detached garage where the group remained for an extended period before the situation turned violent.
Records state the teen was restrained with duct tape after being instructed to sit in a chair.
Investigators allege that one suspect later returned with a firearm and pointed it at the victim while others tightened restraints and prevented escape.
According to People, the affidavit further describes a prolonged assault in which multiple individuals participated.
Authorities say the victim was struck repeatedly using various objects, including aluminum bats, belts, and a walking cane, while being held in place.
Court filings also allege that a heated cutting tool was used to inflict burns and that the victim was forced to consume alcohol during the incident.
Prosecutors further allege that the suspects threatened additional violence, including claims that a chainsaw and machete were brought into the garage and used to intimidate the victim.
Investigators say the chainsaw was later unable to start.
Court records state the group warned the victim not to contact police and allegedly threatened harm against his family if he reported what occurred.
Authorities say the victim was eventually released and dropped off at an unspecified location.
The victim later contacted law enforcement, triggering an investigation that included search warrants and interviews with the suspects.
Investigators say they recovered physical evidence that corroborated key elements of the victim’s account.
Officials reported visible injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, including bruising and marks across multiple parts of the victim’s body.
Authorities also said additional evidence was recovered from at least one suspect’s residence during the investigation.
During questioning, several suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the incident.
Investigators say some acknowledged that the group had discussed and planned the confrontation days in advance.
Authorities further allege that certain suspects admitted to striking the victim and using a toy firearm during the incident.
Law enforcement officials say the admissions aligned with evidence gathered during the investigation.
The Del Valle Independent School District confirmed it is aware of the case, describing the individuals involved as former students and stating that the incident occurred off campus.
District officials said they are cooperating with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and emphasized student safety.
Under Texas law, aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon carries a potential sentence ranging from five years to life in prison if convicted.
Some of the suspects have been released on bond while others remain in custody as proceedings continue.
The case remains under active investigation, with prosecutors continuing to review evidence and additional court proceedings expected as authorities build their case. Officials have not ruled out further developments as the investigation progresses.
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