Garner kidnapping: $1 million ransom, illegal aliens charged | Commies/unionists protest Trump for May Day | UNC encampment arrests anniversary
No. 122 — Apr. 27-May 3, 2025
Illegal aliens kidnapped mother and baby from Garner for $1 million ransom, police say
2 arrested in kidnapping of Garner mom, baby girl later found safe in Wake Forest, police say - ABC11
3rd person charged in kidnapping of girl and her mother from Garner home - WRAL
Neighbors shocked to hear of man's arrest in Garner kidnapping case: 'Kind of scary' - ABC11
FBI makes third arrest in armed kidnapping of Garner mother and baby girl - N&O
Three arrests have been made in a kidnapping-for-ransom plot which saw a mother and her 11-month-old daughter kidnapped from their home in Garner on Monday night.
According to police, three masked and armed individuals broke into the home of Grecia Salome Alejandro-Benitez and Eliuth Martinez to demand $1 million in cash; when the ransom was not paid, the kidnappers allegedly tied up Martinez with duct tape and left with his wife and their infant daughter. (The mother and child were later found in Wake Forest after being released unharmed).
Paola Duran Duran, 25, and her brother Miguel Angel Duran Duran, 23, were arrested on Tuesday by the Garner Police and charged with first degree and second degree kidnapping, both of whom are now the subject of immigration detainers filed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as Mexican nationals and are being held without bond in Wake County jail.
Paola Duran Duran has had at least two recent encounters with law enforcement, including a citation last November by the Smithfield Police for operating a vehicle without a license.
A third alleged conspirator, Eleodoro "Leo" Estrada-Hernandez, 37, was taken into custody by the FBI in Knightdale on Friday, and has been charged with first degree kidnapping, second degree kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault by pointing a firearm. Estrada-Hernandez will appear on court on Monday, at which point it may be revealed whether he is the subject of an ICE detainer as well.
Estrada-Hernandez has had repeated encounters with law enforcement in Wake County, including pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine for which he was sentenced to 38-58 months, as well as at least five citations for operating a vehicle without a license.
It is not clear whether the alleged kidnappers were known to the victims, or they believed that a family living in a community on Buck Branch Dr. which a neighbor described as "working class and quiet" would have access to $1 million in cash.
Wake Co. middle school surveys parents about "gender identity"
Holly Ridge Middle School reportedly surveyed parents on their students' "gender identity" with response options including "transgender" and "nonbinary/nonconforming" according to a screenshot shared by Libs of TikTok on Twitter/X:
Protest Watch
Anniversary of "Triangle Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on UNC campus
How their lives changed: Student activist who became symbol for patriotism reflects on year since UNC pro-Palestinian protest - WUNC
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather on anniversary of UNC-Chapel Hill encampment - N&O
Pro-Palestine Activists Hold Event Marking Anniversary of UNC Encampment, Clash with Police - Chapelboro.com
It's been one year since dozens of pro-Palestine demonstrators were arrested on the UNC campus after violating university rules by erecting tents for an occupation-style encampment in "solidarity" with Palestine, which led to a day of clashes with police and counter-protestors, including over a large American flag which they took down from its flagpole at Polk Place. (I have an article on the analysis of legal consequences for these arrestees in the works, but it's publication this week was delayed due to technical issues).
For the anniversary, dozens of Palestine supporters regathered in the same location for an event organized by the UNC Students for Justice in Palestine which included "Anti-ICE Defense Training," an "Anti-Imperialism Teach-In," and a "Collective Defense Panel."
Commies and unionists celebrate International Workers’ Day by protesting Trump
Thousands March Through Downtown Raleigh for May Day - INDY
Thousands attend May Day rallies in central North Carolina - ABC11
Raleigh protesters vow to stand as ‘united working class’ against Trump policies - N&O
Quick Hit: Upcoming "May Day" protests - More to the Story by A.P. Dillon
Thousands of protesters reportedly gathered in Raleigh on Thursday to celebrate May Day/International Workers' Day with a "Stop the Billionaire Agenda" rally.
Although this protest echoes many of the same anti-Trump and anti-Musk themes of this year's prior protests, it appears to have a specific labor/union flavor, with participants reportedly including federal unions, manufacturing unions, service unions, the NC teacher's union, as well as the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Thank you for your coverage