Hollister Woman Missing For More Than 10 Days, May Have Been Kidnapped By Abusive Ex-Boyfriend
HOLLISTER (KPIX 5) -- Police in Hollister are trying to figure out what happened to 20-year-old Vanessa Flores. Authorities said her ex-boyfriend may have taken Flores and killed her friend.
Rocio Ibarra said she last saw her daughter 10 days ago. "It's just hard to sleep," Ibarra said.
The 20 year old was studying to become a medical assistant and worked as a cashier at Kmart. On August 1st, she left their home to help a friend move. Later that night, police said she ended up in a car with her ex-boyfriend. His name is Jose Barajas.
"He's a very violent man. He's very aggressive. He physically abused my daughter many times during the time of their relationship, which is why she broke up with him."
Ibarra says he used threats to get her daughter to stay with him. Police believe he kidnapped Vanessa, and murdered her friend and co-worker the same night.
It was at an intersection that police say Jose shot and killed Vanessa's friend Adriana Zendejas, who was in another car. She was the unintended target and innocent victim.
Police have not said who the target was -- but her family believes that man was Flores' new boyfriend, and the crime was the result of Barajas' jealousy.
The department has no solid leads as to where the two might be.
"I'm extremely worried about this. It's an exhausting investigation thus far," said Hollister Police Chief David Westrick. "It's frustrating that we haven't been able to locate her and bring her home to her family."
"We're waiting for her return. We won't give up. We won't give up until we find her." Ibarra said.
