1 Suspect Arrested, Girl Still Missing Following Monterey Abduction
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A suspect was in custody Monday for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 16-year-old girl, who remains missing.
A statewide Amber Alert was issued Sunday for Eunice Serrato of San Ardo after the teen was allegedly taken by 39-year-old Juan Manuel Salazar Sr. and his son around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Department.
Salazar Sr. turned himself in Sunday night, but his son, 19-year-old Juan Manuel Salazar Jr., is still believed to be with Serrato in a tan, 2007 Honda Civic with California license plate 6JUK098, according to authorities.
The 1990 white Acura Integra the Monterrey County Sheriff's Department initially believed the suspects were driving has been located in San Ardo.
The men are also "persons of interest" in two deaths. On Saturday evening, Serrato's parents came home from dinner to find their daughter missing and two men dead in their bathroom.
Her parents believe the murders may be gang related. Their home was broken into last week and gang signs were written on their door.
Salazar Jr. is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He is possibly wearing glasses, and authorities say he may have a gunshot wound.
Officials believe Serrato is the girlfriend of the younger Salazar, who may be planning to take her to Mexico, authorities added.
Serrato reportedly contacted her father Sunday morning saying she was not scared. She is described as a Hispanic female, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen in a blue and white shirt, pink jacket, jeans and sandals.
Anyone with information about Serrato or Salazar Jr., who is believed to be armed and dangerous, was asked to call Detective Brett Speirs at (831)755-3805 or the TIP line at (888)833-4847.
