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00:00:13,303 --> 00:00:14,502
Narrator: 17-year-old
melissa duran
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00:00:14,571 --> 00:00:16,438
Is taken from her
home by force
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00:00:16,506 --> 00:00:18,306
In front of her
mother and siblings.
4
00:00:18,308 --> 00:00:19,908
I heard
melissa yell.
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00:00:19,910 --> 00:00:21,643
It was a
scream of terror.
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00:00:21,711 --> 00:00:24,312
Narrator: A ransom
demand changes everything.
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00:00:24,314 --> 00:00:25,914
The suspects
that had taken her
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00:00:25,916 --> 00:00:29,518
Wanted $150,000
within 24 hours.
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00:00:29,586 --> 00:00:32,120
Melissa said that if
she involved the police
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00:00:32,188 --> 00:00:33,788
They were
gonna kill her.
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00:00:33,791 --> 00:00:36,058
Narrator: Detectives know
they statistically only have
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00:00:36,126 --> 00:00:38,460
72 hours to find a
missing person before
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00:00:38,462 --> 00:00:40,995
Her chances of survival
drop dramatically.
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00:00:40,998 --> 00:00:44,332
But in this case,
they may only have 24.
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I'm looking at my
clock, hoping and
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00:00:45,802 --> 00:00:47,803
Praying that we can
get more information.
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00:00:47,871 --> 00:00:49,204
It's like watching
an hourglass,
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Knowing that time
is running out.
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Narrator: The ransom
leads investigators
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To a
frightening theory...
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It was a
preplanned event
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By someone who
knew the family.
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If she can identify
her kidnappers,
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There's a good
chance that
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She's not coming
home alive.
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00:01:04,354 --> 00:01:06,354
Narrator: ..And police
consider every suspect,
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Including a possible
mexican cartel connection.
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Lieut. Sutton:
Ransom kidnappings
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Are common practice
south of the border.
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Trafficking of people
- it's all about money.
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Narrator: Will
police find her...
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Toby yurek: The
hostage was not
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Located
inside there.
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Hugely frustrating.
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This is about as
serious as they get.
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Narrator: ..And will
they find her alive?
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We had no idea
what was going on.
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I was scared.
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[ominous music]
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Narrator: It is
the first week
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School's back
in session
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In henderson,
nevada.
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The children in the
duran household,
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Emily, 9, and
kevin, 11, get ready.
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Their older sister
melissa, 17,
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00:02:03,080 --> 00:02:04,546
A high
school senior,
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Waits for her friend
to pick her up.
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Me and my family
are very close.
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00:02:09,485 --> 00:02:11,286
My mom stays
at home,
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Makes us food
and stuff.
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00:02:13,957 --> 00:02:16,090
My dad owns
his own business
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And he
works a lot.
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Me and melissa are
probably the closest
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Siblings, always,
like, hanging out in
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Each other's rooms or,
like, sometimes we'll
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Mess around with my
little sister just for fun.
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Emily duran: I was
sitting on my bed
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And I heard the
doorbell go off.
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[doorbell]
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[door opening]
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I heard the door
open and I thought
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It was melissa's friend
'cause they were gonna
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Go to school, and then
I heard melissa yell.
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[scream]
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It was a
scream of terror.
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Emily duran: I went to
the top of the stairs
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00:02:46,656 --> 00:02:49,123
And I saw some
man had his hand
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Over melissa's mouth.
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The guy was trying to get
melissa out of the door.
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Emily duran: I
remember thinking,
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00:02:58,101 --> 00:02:59,601
What if this
is a dream
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And I'm just
not waking up?
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00:03:01,471 --> 00:03:03,871
Once I realized that
it wasn't a dream,
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00:03:03,940 --> 00:03:06,608
It made me panic.
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Narrator: At the
sound of the struggle,
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Melissa's mother
races from her room.
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The kidnapper motions
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Like he's going
to pull a gun.
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Then the kidnapper
screams at them
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In english:
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"don't call
the police."
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Narrator: The men
drag melissa towards
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00:03:21,157 --> 00:03:24,559
A waiting car and force
her into the back seat.
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The family rushes
out of the house
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Just in time to see
the car speed away.
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[tires squealing]
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Mere seconds later,
melissa's best friend,
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Jennifer arzola,
arrives at the house
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To give her friend
a ride to school.
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I see melissa's mom.
She's freaking out
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00:03:44,114 --> 00:03:46,381
Like something
bad just happened.
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She was just
so in shock
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And I was trying
to calm her down,
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00:03:49,919 --> 00:03:51,519
Trying to figure
out what's wrong.
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She told me, "some
guys just took melissa!
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They just took her!
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They took her
and they left!"
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I immediately
called 911.
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[sirens]
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I've spent
34 years
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As a law
enforcement officer.
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This kidnapping would
be a high priority call.
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Det. Benjamins:I was
working the detective
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Bureau and I received
a call from dispatchers.
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They informed me
that there was a
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Possible kidnapping,
17-year-old female
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By the name of
melissa duran.
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I am a detective in the
robbery homicide unit.
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I investigate any
type of violent crimes.
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The information
that was given to me
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Was that melissa
had been kidnapped,
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Taken by force.
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Narrator: Detectives
felicia benjamins
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And joe ebert
reach the duran home
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And quickly assess
the situation.
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00:04:44,441 --> 00:04:46,708
Det. Benjamins: When
I arrived at the scene,
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00:04:46,776 --> 00:04:50,845
Aurora, who's melissa's
mom, was very upset,
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00:04:50,914 --> 00:04:52,947
And I got to
meet melissa's
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00:04:53,015 --> 00:04:55,450
11-year-old brother
and 9-year-old sister.
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00:04:55,518 --> 00:04:56,985
We spoke
with them,
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Trying to get
information
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That we can gather
in the very beginning
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00:05:00,523 --> 00:05:03,224
To establish that this
is an actual abduction.
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00:05:03,292 --> 00:05:05,793
Det. Ebert: We were
told by the family
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00:05:05,796 --> 00:05:07,462
That they
had witnessed
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00:05:07,530 --> 00:05:09,630
Melissa being
taken by force.
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00:05:09,699 --> 00:05:11,733
So this was a
straight 100%
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00:05:11,801 --> 00:05:13,668
Legitimate
kidnapping.
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00:05:13,737 --> 00:05:15,503
So for us,
as police,
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This is when the
clock starts ticking.
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[clock ticking]
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00:05:20,810 --> 00:05:23,544
Narrator: Investigators
now have to move fast.
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They know they have
only 72 hours before
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Their chances of
finding melissa alive
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Drop dramatically.
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Det. Benjamins:
Kidnappings aren't very
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Common here in the
city of henderson,
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But we do know in these
types of investigations
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That time is
of the essence
140
00:05:37,427 --> 00:05:39,026
And we do have to
gather information
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00:05:39,029 --> 00:05:40,828
As quickly
as possible.
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Narrator: The family
gives police a partial
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00:05:42,632 --> 00:05:44,699
Description of the car
melissa was taken in.
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00:05:44,767 --> 00:05:48,035
And kevin gives them
a rough description
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00:05:48,104 --> 00:05:50,605
Of the man who
grabbed melissa.
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Kevin duran: Melissa
was 5 foot 4 and the guy
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00:05:52,509 --> 00:05:54,509
Was just a little
bit taller than her.
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00:05:54,511 --> 00:05:56,611
He was wearing like
a worker hat to cover
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00:05:56,679 --> 00:05:58,846
His face, and then he
also had a bandana on
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00:05:58,915 --> 00:06:00,581
And glasses and
then worker clothes
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00:06:00,650 --> 00:06:03,317
Like baggy pants
and a baggy t-shirt.
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00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:05,420
The bandana that he had
was covering his face.
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00:06:05,488 --> 00:06:07,255
I couldn't see
anything at all.
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Narrator: As police try
to get more information,
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00:06:11,728 --> 00:06:13,762
Melissa's mother
gets a call.
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Narrator: Melissa
manages to pass on
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00:06:31,014 --> 00:06:32,680
The kidnapper's
message.
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She said that
the suspects
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00:06:35,352 --> 00:06:38,686
That had taken her
wanted $150,000
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Within 24 hours.
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Narrator: Then the call
ends on a chilling note.
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Det. Ebert:
Melissa said that
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00:06:46,295 --> 00:06:47,829
If she involved
the police,
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They were
gonna kill her.
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00:06:49,900 --> 00:06:54,569
At that point they hung
up the phone with mom.
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00:06:54,637 --> 00:06:57,105
I was scared they
were gonna hurt her
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When they told us not
to get police involved.
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00:07:00,176 --> 00:07:02,810
I mean, the police
were right there.
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00:07:02,879 --> 00:07:04,846
Det. Ebert: When the
suspects make threats
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00:07:04,848 --> 00:07:06,681
That they want a
specific amount
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00:07:06,749 --> 00:07:08,649
Of ransom, they
give you a deadline,
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00:07:08,718 --> 00:07:10,551
There's anxiety
that goes up
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For all of
us involved.
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00:07:12,255 --> 00:07:14,789
But we still have to do
our job and we're hoping
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00:07:14,857 --> 00:07:16,958
That it's a bluff on
the suspect's part
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As we continue to
gather the intelligence,
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00:07:20,062 --> 00:07:22,197
Gather the information,
put it together
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00:07:22,265 --> 00:07:24,532
And try to find
where melissa's at
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00:07:24,600 --> 00:07:26,934
Before anything
bad happens to her.
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00:07:27,003 --> 00:07:29,537
At that moment,
my mom was really
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00:07:29,539 --> 00:07:31,973
Stressed about coming
up with that money.
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00:07:45,321 --> 00:07:46,888
Jennifer arzola:
Melissa's the type of
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Friend that she's
always there for you,
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Through thick
and thin.
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We have a relationship
where we can go
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A month
without talking
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00:07:53,763 --> 00:07:55,396
And then I talk
to her again and
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It's like we never
even stopped talking.
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She's family.
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00:07:58,668 --> 00:08:00,568
Emily duran: She
was very outgoing
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00:08:00,636 --> 00:08:01,903
And independent.
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00:08:01,971 --> 00:08:03,271
She was more
of like a leader
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00:08:03,339 --> 00:08:05,706
Rather than
like a follower.
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00:08:05,709 --> 00:08:08,643
I was just like freaking
out, like on the inside,
195
00:08:08,711 --> 00:08:10,645
Because I didn't really
know what the guys
196
00:08:10,647 --> 00:08:12,780
Responsible for
melissa's kidnapping
197
00:08:12,782 --> 00:08:14,115
Were capable of.
198
00:08:16,719 --> 00:08:19,854
We needed to find out
what number it was
199
00:08:19,923 --> 00:08:22,790
That was calling
melissa's mother because
200
00:08:22,859 --> 00:08:25,159
The number was
showing up blocked.
201
00:08:25,227 --> 00:08:27,395
Until we knew what
number was calling them,
202
00:08:27,463 --> 00:08:29,597
We wouldn't know for
sure who was actually
203
00:08:29,666 --> 00:08:31,566
Making the
ransom call.
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00:08:31,634 --> 00:08:34,068
Off her phone records,
it's all logged,
205
00:08:34,136 --> 00:08:36,004
So we needed to
get court orders
206
00:08:36,072 --> 00:08:37,705
On her phone to
actually obtain
207
00:08:37,773 --> 00:08:39,540
The phone number from
their phone company
208
00:08:39,609 --> 00:08:41,576
Of who was making
the phone call.
209
00:08:41,644 --> 00:08:44,946
Det. Ebert: It takes a
couple hours to try to
210
00:08:45,014 --> 00:08:46,647
Get the information
that we need
211
00:08:46,716 --> 00:08:48,416
From these
telephone companies.
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00:08:48,484 --> 00:08:51,018
Narrator: Suddenly,
melissa's father alex
213
00:08:51,087 --> 00:08:53,755
Arrives with alarming
news of his own.
214
00:08:53,823 --> 00:08:55,890
Melissa's father
alex said that he
215
00:08:55,959 --> 00:08:57,758
Had his own
landscaping company
216
00:08:57,761 --> 00:08:59,860
And he was out in
the field working.
217
00:08:59,929 --> 00:09:03,698
He gets a phone call from
one of the kidnappers:
218
00:09:03,766 --> 00:09:05,466
"we've got
your daughter
219
00:09:05,534 --> 00:09:08,302
And you better not
call the police."
220
00:09:08,305 --> 00:09:10,438
So the first thing
he does is he
221
00:09:10,440 --> 00:09:12,707
Goes back home
and realizes that
222
00:09:12,709 --> 00:09:15,209
This isn't a prank;
this is the real deal.
223
00:09:15,277 --> 00:09:17,378
Det. Ebert: Melissa's
father said that the
224
00:09:17,447 --> 00:09:19,714
Phone call was from
a blocked number.
225
00:09:19,782 --> 00:09:21,783
Narrator: However,
melissa's dad was
226
00:09:21,851 --> 00:09:23,451
Able to get
more information
227
00:09:23,519 --> 00:09:25,386
Than they had gotten
from the first call.
228
00:09:25,455 --> 00:09:27,388
Det. Ebert: Dad
asked the kidnapper
229
00:09:27,390 --> 00:09:31,792
Why he was doing this,
and the kidnapper
230
00:09:31,795 --> 00:09:34,329
Had mentioned that
he had his orders,
231
00:09:34,397 --> 00:09:36,331
And then he hung
up the phone
232
00:09:36,399 --> 00:09:38,866
And that was it.
233
00:09:38,868 --> 00:09:40,801
Narrator: Orders
from whom?
234
00:09:40,870 --> 00:09:43,738
Who had their sights on
melissa and this family?
235
00:09:43,806 --> 00:09:47,241
Given what police now
know, they theorize
236
00:09:47,309 --> 00:09:49,277
The kidnappers
believe the family
237
00:09:49,345 --> 00:09:51,212
Has the means to
pay the ransom
238
00:09:51,280 --> 00:09:53,781
And therefore
must know them.
239
00:09:53,849 --> 00:09:55,916
Ransom kidnappings
are extremely rare.
240
00:09:55,985 --> 00:09:59,220
There is almost
always a connection
241
00:09:59,288 --> 00:10:01,022
To the family.
242
00:10:01,024 --> 00:10:03,958
This is an act of someone
who knew where she lived
243
00:10:03,960 --> 00:10:06,494
And knew that she
would be at home.
244
00:10:06,496 --> 00:10:09,130
Shut up!
[tires squealing]
245
00:10:09,198 --> 00:10:11,132
It was a
pre-planned event
246
00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:13,167
By someone who
knew the family.
247
00:10:13,169 --> 00:10:15,436
Narrator: A fact that
makes this situation
248
00:10:15,438 --> 00:10:17,038
Much more critical.
249
00:10:17,040 --> 00:10:19,674
If she can identify
her kidnappers,
250
00:10:19,742 --> 00:10:22,243
There's a good
chance that she's
251
00:10:22,245 --> 00:10:24,178
Not coming
home alive.
252
00:10:24,246 --> 00:10:25,446
Coming up:
253
00:10:25,448 --> 00:10:28,650
Investigators receive an
alarming break in the case.
254
00:10:28,718 --> 00:10:30,718
Det. Ebert: The
potential suspect vehicle
255
00:10:30,786 --> 00:10:33,454
Had been found burned
in the desert area.
256
00:10:33,523 --> 00:10:36,323
Was melissa killed
and inside the car?
257
00:10:36,392 --> 00:10:37,925
Narrator: And
given the evidence,
258
00:10:37,993 --> 00:10:40,395
Police must consider
another theory:
259
00:10:40,463 --> 00:10:42,630
Could the mexican
cartel be involved?
260
00:10:42,698 --> 00:10:44,799
It made sense that
this could be
261
00:10:44,801 --> 00:10:47,134
A cartel-related
kidnapping.
262
00:10:47,203 --> 00:10:49,270
They're
exceedingly violent,
263
00:10:49,338 --> 00:10:51,606
And if someone
interferes with them,
264
00:10:51,674 --> 00:10:53,975
They will kill them
in a heartbeat.
265
00:11:04,421 --> 00:11:05,953
Narrator: It has
been three hours
266
00:11:06,021 --> 00:11:07,988
Since three
men kidnapped
267
00:11:08,057 --> 00:11:10,825
17-year-old melissa
duran from her home.
268
00:11:10,827 --> 00:11:13,728
After her parents
receive ransom calls,
269
00:11:13,796 --> 00:11:16,230
The investigators work
on tracking them down
270
00:11:16,298 --> 00:11:18,299
In hopes it will
lead them to melissa
271
00:11:18,367 --> 00:11:21,102
Before the 72-hour
clock runs out.
272
00:11:21,104 --> 00:11:23,704
In the meantime,
officers canvassing
273
00:11:23,773 --> 00:11:25,706
The neighborhood
are looking for
274
00:11:25,775 --> 00:11:28,943
Eyewitnesses who may
provide more information.
275
00:11:29,011 --> 00:11:31,879
Fortunately, we
did discover that
276
00:11:31,947 --> 00:11:33,514
A neighbor
very close
277
00:11:33,583 --> 00:11:36,450
Had some surveillance
cameras out front.
278
00:11:36,453 --> 00:11:39,887
We caught a huge
break because
279
00:11:39,955 --> 00:11:42,690
The vantage point
of the cameras
280
00:11:42,758 --> 00:11:45,326
Were actually
out to the street.
281
00:11:45,394 --> 00:11:47,395
The officers were
able to view it and it
282
00:11:47,463 --> 00:11:50,164
Captured a great picture
of the suspect vehicle.
283
00:11:50,232 --> 00:11:52,333
It was a red vehicle
with blue fenders.
284
00:11:52,335 --> 00:11:54,168
Narrator: Police now
have a much better
285
00:11:54,236 --> 00:11:56,837
Description of the car,
complete with an easily
286
00:11:56,906 --> 00:11:59,841
Identifiable detail:
The blue fenders.
287
00:12:02,912 --> 00:12:04,411
We put it out
to the public
288
00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:06,147
Through an
amber alert.
289
00:12:06,215 --> 00:12:08,949
The amber alert is
a method of getting
290
00:12:09,018 --> 00:12:10,985
Information into the
hands of the public
291
00:12:11,053 --> 00:12:12,353
Through the
news media,
292
00:12:12,421 --> 00:12:14,188
Through telephone
systems.
293
00:12:14,256 --> 00:12:16,891
It gives a description
of whatever vehicle
294
00:12:16,893 --> 00:12:19,293
Is involved and gets
that out to the public
295
00:12:19,362 --> 00:12:21,095
And asks for
their help.
296
00:12:21,163 --> 00:12:22,830
The amber alert,
once it went out,
297
00:12:22,898 --> 00:12:24,632
It hit television
networks;
298
00:12:24,634 --> 00:12:26,734
It hit pretty
much every type of
299
00:12:26,802 --> 00:12:28,569
Social media you
can think of,
300
00:12:28,637 --> 00:12:32,106
From news stations
to facebook, twitter.
301
00:12:32,108 --> 00:12:34,241
News: An amber alert
was issued and now
302
00:12:34,244 --> 00:12:36,310
Nevada police are
expanding the search.
303
00:12:36,378 --> 00:12:37,845
If anybody has
any information
304
00:12:37,847 --> 00:12:39,680
We urge them to contact
the henderson police,
305
00:12:39,748 --> 00:12:41,983
And if they do see melissa
or the suspect's car,
306
00:12:42,051 --> 00:12:45,119
It's important for people
to call 911 immediately.
307
00:12:49,192 --> 00:12:51,459
Narrator: The amber
alert fills tv screens
308
00:12:51,527 --> 00:12:53,027
Across nevada
and beyond.
309
00:12:53,095 --> 00:12:54,529
And melissa's
family faces
310
00:12:54,597 --> 00:12:56,230
A difficult reality.
311
00:12:56,298 --> 00:12:58,999
We had heard the sirens
of the amber alert.
312
00:12:59,068 --> 00:13:01,602
It definitely felt more
real to see melissa
313
00:13:01,604 --> 00:13:04,672
On tv because it
made us feel like
314
00:13:04,674 --> 00:13:08,008
It's actually happening
and that it's not fake.
315
00:13:08,011 --> 00:13:10,110
She's not
there with us
316
00:13:10,179 --> 00:13:12,413
Because someone
else has her.
317
00:13:12,415 --> 00:13:15,216
That was probably one
of the first moments
318
00:13:15,218 --> 00:13:19,453
Where I've actually seen
my dad get sad and cry.
319
00:13:19,521 --> 00:13:24,024
I started crying. We
were all just crying.
320
00:13:24,027 --> 00:13:26,027
She was in danger.
321
00:13:28,431 --> 00:13:30,931
Lieut. Sutton: This
family really was
322
00:13:31,000 --> 00:13:33,167
Part of the
american dream.
323
00:13:33,235 --> 00:13:35,603
Mr. Duran wanted to
provide for his family.
324
00:13:35,671 --> 00:13:38,138
He did so by
creating a business.
325
00:13:38,207 --> 00:13:40,140
The kidnappers figured
they had enough money
326
00:13:40,209 --> 00:13:41,776
To make this
worthwhile.
327
00:13:41,844 --> 00:13:45,646
They're looking for
something to sell back.
328
00:13:45,648 --> 00:13:48,049
It could have been
any of the children.
329
00:13:48,117 --> 00:13:50,051
Narrator: Police
theorize the abduction
330
00:13:50,119 --> 00:13:51,919
Must be connected
to melissa's parents
331
00:13:51,988 --> 00:13:53,387
Or their business.
332
00:13:53,389 --> 00:13:54,855
Because it
was a ransom,
333
00:13:54,858 --> 00:13:56,390
In nevada
we're pretty close,
334
00:13:56,458 --> 00:13:57,791
You know,
to the border.
335
00:13:57,794 --> 00:13:59,393
One of the ideas
that it could be
336
00:13:59,462 --> 00:14:01,629
Some kind of
cartel-type thing.
337
00:14:01,697 --> 00:14:03,364
Lieut. Sutton: The
population of las vegas
338
00:14:03,432 --> 00:14:04,832
Has steadily
increased and
339
00:14:04,900 --> 00:14:06,334
I think at
this point,
340
00:14:06,402 --> 00:14:08,936
The city itself is
about 1/3 hispanic.
341
00:14:09,004 --> 00:14:11,772
Ransom kidnappings
are a common practice
342
00:14:11,840 --> 00:14:13,407
South of
the border.
343
00:14:13,476 --> 00:14:16,143
They're not infrequent
in many areas of mexico.
344
00:14:16,211 --> 00:14:19,013
Det. Ebert: We
questioned melissa's
345
00:14:19,015 --> 00:14:22,149
Father to find out if
he had maybe any family
346
00:14:22,217 --> 00:14:24,352
That was coming across
the border illegally,
347
00:14:24,420 --> 00:14:26,954
That he may be paying
somebody in mexico to
348
00:14:27,022 --> 00:14:29,757
Assist his family to get
here to the united states.
349
00:14:29,825 --> 00:14:31,959
Alex stated that
everybody in his
350
00:14:31,961 --> 00:14:34,362
Immediate family was
here legally, but he did
351
00:14:34,430 --> 00:14:37,164
Mention that he had been
going over to mexico
352
00:14:37,166 --> 00:14:39,266
And then back into
the united states
353
00:14:39,335 --> 00:14:41,268
To get medication
for his mother,
354
00:14:41,337 --> 00:14:43,103
So we were
concerned that maybe
355
00:14:43,172 --> 00:14:45,039
Who he was getting
his medication from
356
00:14:45,041 --> 00:14:47,141
In mexico could
be involved.
357
00:14:47,209 --> 00:14:48,776
Narrator:
Detectives believe
358
00:14:48,778 --> 00:14:51,045
Someone in mexico
may have identified
359
00:14:51,047 --> 00:14:53,247
Melissa's father as
a man with money.
360
00:14:53,315 --> 00:14:55,182
And that makes
him a target.
361
00:14:55,251 --> 00:14:58,252
The major business of
cartels is narcotics.
362
00:14:58,254 --> 00:15:00,220
That's where they make
most of their money but
363
00:15:00,289 --> 00:15:02,323
That doesn't mean they
aren't entrepreneurial.
364
00:15:02,391 --> 00:15:03,457
The trafficking
of arms,
365
00:15:03,526 --> 00:15:05,326
The trafficking
of people -
366
00:15:05,328 --> 00:15:06,994
It's all
about money.
367
00:15:07,062 --> 00:15:08,796
Narrator: A team of
officers immediately
368
00:15:08,864 --> 00:15:11,031
Starts checking with
federal agencies for
369
00:15:11,100 --> 00:15:13,701
A connection to the
cartel association.
370
00:15:13,769 --> 00:15:16,270
At the same time,
they start pursuing
371
00:15:16,339 --> 00:15:18,806
A connection much
closer to home.
372
00:15:18,808 --> 00:15:21,342
With the kidnappers
grabbing melissa
373
00:15:21,344 --> 00:15:23,143
So early in
the morning,
374
00:15:23,212 --> 00:15:25,879
Police want to know
who else is familiar
375
00:15:25,882 --> 00:15:27,982
With the
family's schedule.
376
00:15:28,050 --> 00:15:30,017
We found out that alex
did run a business
377
00:15:30,086 --> 00:15:32,286
Out of his home,
and these employees
378
00:15:32,288 --> 00:15:34,221
Did come and get
their assignments,
379
00:15:34,289 --> 00:15:35,823
Basically,
for the day,
380
00:15:35,891 --> 00:15:37,625
Pick up their checks
at the residence,
381
00:15:37,693 --> 00:15:39,026
Things like that.
382
00:15:39,094 --> 00:15:41,028
Narrator: Detectives
realize the landscaping
383
00:15:41,096 --> 00:15:42,830
Employees have a great
deal of information
384
00:15:42,832 --> 00:15:44,298
About the
duran family.
385
00:15:44,300 --> 00:15:45,900
Det. Ebert: They
knew where they lived.
386
00:15:45,968 --> 00:15:47,835
They knew who
melissa was.
387
00:15:47,903 --> 00:15:51,238
They knew the
victim's entire family.
388
00:15:51,240 --> 00:15:54,842
Upon interviewing the
father, we realized
389
00:15:54,910 --> 00:15:57,745
He had terminated
an employee earlier.
390
00:15:57,813 --> 00:16:02,850
Alex gave us the name:
Jose sanchez-perez.
391
00:16:02,918 --> 00:16:06,653
Alex had no concern
that jose sanchez-perez
392
00:16:06,722 --> 00:16:08,723
Was involved
in any way with
393
00:16:08,791 --> 00:16:10,725
The kidnapping
of his daughter.
394
00:16:10,793 --> 00:16:12,559
He thought that they
were on good terms,
395
00:16:12,628 --> 00:16:14,395
That everything
was fine.
396
00:16:14,463 --> 00:16:16,330
Narrator: Despite
jose sanchez-perez
397
00:16:16,332 --> 00:16:17,898
And alex
parting ways,
398
00:16:17,966 --> 00:16:20,034
Their relationship
seemed unaffected.
399
00:16:20,102 --> 00:16:23,004
However, when melissa's
aunt was interviewed
400
00:16:23,072 --> 00:16:25,639
By officers, she told
a different story.
401
00:16:25,707 --> 00:16:27,941
Det. Ebert: Julie
had mentioned that
402
00:16:27,944 --> 00:16:30,711
She knew who jose
sanchez-perez was
403
00:16:30,779 --> 00:16:32,846
And that he wanted
to date her.
404
00:16:32,915 --> 00:16:34,681
Julie would actually
fill in and assist
405
00:16:34,750 --> 00:16:36,984
Her brother with the
landscaping business,
406
00:16:37,052 --> 00:16:39,687
So during the course of
when she would go out
407
00:16:39,755 --> 00:16:41,822
And work, she would
meet some of the guys.
408
00:16:41,891 --> 00:16:44,491
Lieut. Sutton: She was
able to remember that
409
00:16:44,494 --> 00:16:46,894
During a brief date
that they had,
410
00:16:46,962 --> 00:16:50,631
He was getting phone
calls, and she surmised
411
00:16:50,699 --> 00:16:54,201
From the one-sided
conversation that she heard
412
00:16:54,269 --> 00:16:56,637
That these were
calls that revealed
413
00:16:56,705 --> 00:16:58,872
That he owed a lot
of people money,
414
00:16:58,941 --> 00:17:03,177
And this is a
pretty good clue
415
00:17:03,245 --> 00:17:05,012
And a red flag.
416
00:17:05,080 --> 00:17:09,550
I think maybe
it was jose.
417
00:17:09,618 --> 00:17:11,051
Lieut. Sutton:
The motive...
418
00:17:11,054 --> 00:17:13,454
Oldest motive
in the world:
419
00:17:13,456 --> 00:17:14,888
Money.
420
00:17:14,957 --> 00:17:17,591
And if he owed a lot
of money, a kidnapping
421
00:17:17,593 --> 00:17:21,128
For ransom would get
that off of his back.
422
00:17:21,196 --> 00:17:23,597
Narrator: Detectives
need to find jose.
423
00:17:23,599 --> 00:17:26,133
Det. Ebert: We
asked alex and aurora
424
00:17:26,135 --> 00:17:28,902
If they had any
photographs of jose
425
00:17:28,971 --> 00:17:31,738
- Driver's license or
anything like that -
426
00:17:31,741 --> 00:17:33,740
That may assist us
in the investigation
427
00:17:33,743 --> 00:17:36,376
To identify jose
sanchez-perez.
428
00:17:36,445 --> 00:17:38,145
But there
was no photo.
429
00:17:38,147 --> 00:17:39,746
It was very
difficult because
430
00:17:39,749 --> 00:17:41,615
He didn't really
keep great records.
431
00:17:41,684 --> 00:17:43,584
Det. Ebert: And
so we ran the name
432
00:17:43,652 --> 00:17:45,619
Jose sanchez
through the system.
433
00:17:45,688 --> 00:17:48,155
Lieut. Sutton: You go to
look for jose sanchez
434
00:17:48,224 --> 00:17:49,857
And it's like
john smith.
435
00:17:49,925 --> 00:17:51,492
The way these
databases work,
436
00:17:51,560 --> 00:17:53,761
If you don't have
any date of birth
437
00:17:53,829 --> 00:17:55,729
And social security
number to go with it,
438
00:17:55,797 --> 00:17:57,764
All those common names
are gonna show up,
439
00:17:57,767 --> 00:17:59,500
So that brings
a whole different
440
00:17:59,568 --> 00:18:02,703
Set of challenges to
this investigation.
441
00:18:02,771 --> 00:18:06,940
So jose sanchez-perez
was a suspect,
442
00:18:07,009 --> 00:18:08,909
But we didn't have
any piece of evidence
443
00:18:08,977 --> 00:18:11,478
That linked him
to this crime.
444
00:18:11,547 --> 00:18:13,747
Narrator: Still, the
police begin pursuing
445
00:18:13,815 --> 00:18:16,917
Jose sanchez as their
most promising lead.
446
00:18:16,985 --> 00:18:19,586
And then five hours
into the investigation
447
00:18:19,655 --> 00:18:21,121
They get a break.
448
00:18:21,124 --> 00:18:23,257
A tip comes in
from the amber alert.
449
00:18:23,259 --> 00:18:25,859
About 1:30 in
the afternoon
450
00:18:25,928 --> 00:18:28,729
We received
information that the
451
00:18:28,797 --> 00:18:30,931
Potential suspect
vehicle had been found
452
00:18:30,999 --> 00:18:32,966
In the
desert area.
453
00:18:33,035 --> 00:18:34,268
Henderson
police and fire.
454
00:18:34,336 --> 00:18:35,869
Hi, yes, I'm on
my way to work.
455
00:18:35,938 --> 00:18:37,070
I've seen
a car fire
456
00:18:37,139 --> 00:18:40,207
And it was a red car
with a blue fender.
457
00:18:40,276 --> 00:18:43,277
It was on fire up on
lake mead boulevard.
458
00:18:43,345 --> 00:18:46,446
Unfortunately, the
vehicle had been burned.
459
00:18:46,515 --> 00:18:49,116
Was melissa killed
and inside the car?
460
00:18:49,184 --> 00:18:51,084
Was she taken
from the car
461
00:18:51,153 --> 00:18:53,086
And taken
somewhere else?
462
00:18:53,155 --> 00:18:55,489
We didn't really
know what we had.
463
00:18:55,557 --> 00:18:58,425
[clock ticking]
464
00:18:58,493 --> 00:18:59,827
Coming up:
465
00:18:59,895 --> 00:19:01,695
The car gives
investigators
466
00:19:01,697 --> 00:19:02,996
A new suspect.
467
00:19:03,065 --> 00:19:04,565
That was obviously
a great break for us.
468
00:19:04,633 --> 00:19:05,933
You get a little
adrenaline rush
469
00:19:06,001 --> 00:19:07,267
And you're like,
"let's do this."
470
00:19:07,336 --> 00:19:09,036
We needed to
establish surveillance.
471
00:19:09,104 --> 00:19:10,905
Narrator: But with
kidnappers threatening
472
00:19:10,973 --> 00:19:13,040
To kill melissa if
police were brought in,
473
00:19:13,042 --> 00:19:16,243
Surveillance brings a
huge risk to her safety.
474
00:19:16,312 --> 00:19:17,844
The entire time I
was thinking that
475
00:19:17,847 --> 00:19:20,181
If they see you,
they might kill her.
476
00:19:28,924 --> 00:19:31,558
Narrator: A burned-out car
matching the description
477
00:19:31,627 --> 00:19:34,128
Of the one used to
kidnap 17-year-old
478
00:19:34,196 --> 00:19:36,863
Melissa duran has been
spotted in the desert.
479
00:19:36,932 --> 00:19:39,466
Five hours into
the investigation,
480
00:19:39,535 --> 00:19:43,036
This is the biggest
lead detectives have.
481
00:19:43,105 --> 00:19:44,738
It was abnormal
that somebody
482
00:19:44,806 --> 00:19:47,541
Would take a car
and park it out there
483
00:19:47,609 --> 00:19:50,077
In a desert area and
it would just be burned
484
00:19:50,145 --> 00:19:52,012
And left abandoned
unless it was stolen
485
00:19:52,081 --> 00:19:54,615
Or unless it was
evidence to a crime.
486
00:19:54,683 --> 00:19:57,751
Narrator: Police travel
down a desolate road
487
00:19:57,820 --> 00:19:59,886
To investigate
the vehicle.
488
00:19:59,889 --> 00:20:03,090
The vehicle wasn't
even burned that bad.
489
00:20:03,158 --> 00:20:04,758
It was more
burned internally,
490
00:20:04,826 --> 00:20:06,226
Not externally.
491
00:20:06,295 --> 00:20:08,895
This is a car that's red
with blue fenders and
492
00:20:08,964 --> 00:20:11,064
We're able to spot right
away that it matched our
493
00:20:11,133 --> 00:20:13,400
Vehicle description of
the suspect vehicle.
494
00:20:15,904 --> 00:20:18,172
But I was afraid
that we might find
495
00:20:18,240 --> 00:20:21,074
Melissa in the
car, deceased.
496
00:20:21,143 --> 00:20:23,110
Narrator: Detectives
quickly search the car,
497
00:20:23,178 --> 00:20:26,113
Including the trunk.
498
00:20:26,181 --> 00:20:28,849
Fortunately, melissa
wasn't in the car.
499
00:20:28,917 --> 00:20:31,218
We didn't know where
they had taken her and
500
00:20:31,286 --> 00:20:34,388
We were hoping that
she was still alive.
501
00:20:34,456 --> 00:20:36,857
Narrator: While
detectives process
502
00:20:36,859 --> 00:20:37,991
The scene,
503
00:20:38,060 --> 00:20:41,328
Melissa's family grows
increasingly worried.
504
00:20:55,544 --> 00:20:57,411
Jennifer arzola: I was
sitting there thinking
505
00:20:57,479 --> 00:20:59,546
That I might not
ever see her again,
506
00:20:59,548 --> 00:21:02,082
My lifelong friend that
I met in 5th grade.
507
00:21:02,084 --> 00:21:03,750
We used to talk
about how our lives
508
00:21:03,819 --> 00:21:05,619
Were gonna be
when we grew up.
509
00:21:05,687 --> 00:21:07,621
It was just
very sad.
510
00:21:17,499 --> 00:21:19,533
Det. Benjamins:
We all have kids.
511
00:21:19,601 --> 00:21:23,570
It's a parent's nightmare
to have a kid abducted.
512
00:21:23,572 --> 00:21:26,507
It doesn't matter;
from infant to 17,
513
00:21:26,575 --> 00:21:28,875
It's still someone's
loved one.
514
00:21:28,944 --> 00:21:32,846
It hits home because you
relate it to your family.
515
00:21:32,914 --> 00:21:35,182
Narrator: Back
at the scene
516
00:21:35,184 --> 00:21:37,284
Of the
burned-out car,
517
00:21:37,352 --> 00:21:40,320
Detectives make a
crucial discovery.
518
00:21:40,389 --> 00:21:42,589
The suspects obviously
tried to burn the car,
519
00:21:42,657 --> 00:21:44,491
Tried to get
rid of evidence.
520
00:21:44,559 --> 00:21:46,260
The vehicle
identification number,
521
00:21:46,328 --> 00:21:47,861
The one that
everyone knows about
522
00:21:47,930 --> 00:21:49,596
Which is up on
the windshield -
523
00:21:49,598 --> 00:21:51,331
You can obliterate that,
you can take that out,
524
00:21:51,334 --> 00:21:53,200
You can destroy it,
but there are also other
525
00:21:53,268 --> 00:21:56,270
Hidden vin numbers,
and the auto theft unit
526
00:21:56,338 --> 00:21:59,239
Is really, really good
at tracing those.
527
00:22:01,477 --> 00:22:03,343
There was a vin number
on the vehicle still
528
00:22:03,346 --> 00:22:05,346
So we were able
to obtain that.
529
00:22:07,950 --> 00:22:09,616
Narrator: Police
trace the vin number
530
00:22:09,685 --> 00:22:12,552
And immediately
get a hit.
531
00:22:12,555 --> 00:22:14,755
[clock ticking]
532
00:22:14,823 --> 00:22:16,957
We found out that it
belonged to a guy
533
00:22:17,025 --> 00:22:18,892
By the name of
cesar sanchez,
534
00:22:18,960 --> 00:22:21,628
And that he lived
at 233 flower,
535
00:22:21,697 --> 00:22:24,364
An apartment
complex in las vegas.
536
00:22:24,433 --> 00:22:27,434
We were also
able to find a
537
00:22:27,502 --> 00:22:30,404
Driver's license photo
from cesar sanchez.
538
00:22:30,472 --> 00:22:32,172
Det. Benjamins:
That was obviously
539
00:22:32,241 --> 00:22:33,974
A great
break for us.
540
00:22:34,042 --> 00:22:36,042
When the vin number
came back to an address
541
00:22:36,045 --> 00:22:38,378
In las vegas, you
actually get a little
542
00:22:38,447 --> 00:22:39,913
Adrenaline rush
and you're like,
543
00:22:39,982 --> 00:22:42,716
"let's do this! Let's
find this person."
544
00:22:42,718 --> 00:22:45,752
Det. Ebert: So we
conduct surveillance
545
00:22:45,821 --> 00:22:48,188
On cesar
sanchez's apartment,
546
00:22:48,190 --> 00:22:50,457
To see who
comes and goes.
547
00:22:50,526 --> 00:22:52,826
Narrator: Investigators
proceed with caution.
548
00:22:52,894 --> 00:22:54,828
If he is one of
the kidnappers,
549
00:22:54,896 --> 00:22:56,797
He might follow through
with the previous threat
550
00:22:56,865 --> 00:22:59,733
To kill melissa if
police are involved.
551
00:22:59,801 --> 00:23:01,601
To do this type
of surveillance
552
00:23:01,670 --> 00:23:05,672
Is very difficult...
It's the end of August,
553
00:23:05,741 --> 00:23:08,408
It's extremely
hot in las vegas.
554
00:23:08,477 --> 00:23:11,545
Temperatures reach
over 100 degrees.
555
00:23:11,613 --> 00:23:13,880
You're sitting in your
car with your windows
556
00:23:13,949 --> 00:23:15,081
Rolled up.
557
00:23:15,150 --> 00:23:16,983
You don't have the
ability to have your
558
00:23:17,052 --> 00:23:18,952
Engine running with
air conditioning on
559
00:23:19,020 --> 00:23:21,521
'cause you will get
caught or "burned"
560
00:23:21,590 --> 00:23:24,057
By the suspect or people
in the neighborhood.
561
00:23:24,125 --> 00:23:26,894
But that's your job and
you sit there because
562
00:23:26,962 --> 00:23:30,897
You know melissa's
life depends on you.
563
00:23:30,900 --> 00:23:33,033
Narrator: As police
watch cesar sanchez's
564
00:23:33,101 --> 00:23:35,569
Apartment, detectives
receive good news
565
00:23:35,571 --> 00:23:37,037
From the courts.
566
00:23:37,039 --> 00:23:38,772
We got the court
orders back for
567
00:23:38,841 --> 00:23:40,908
Aurora's and
alex's phones.
568
00:23:40,976 --> 00:23:43,310
Det. Ebert: We were
able to work with the
569
00:23:43,378 --> 00:23:46,046
Telephone companies
to unblock the number
570
00:23:46,114 --> 00:23:48,648
Used to make
the ransom calls.
571
00:23:48,651 --> 00:23:50,917
That phone number
came back to a guy
572
00:23:50,920 --> 00:23:53,520
By the name of
alejandro sanchez.
573
00:23:53,588 --> 00:23:55,288
Narrator: Detectives
are surprised
574
00:23:55,357 --> 00:23:56,923
To learn that
yet another man
575
00:23:56,926 --> 00:23:58,792
With the last name
sanchez is involved.
576
00:23:58,861 --> 00:24:00,927
Could these
men be related?
577
00:24:00,930 --> 00:24:02,629
Det. Ebert: The
vehicle's been recovered
578
00:24:02,697 --> 00:24:04,898
And it was registered
to a cesar sanchez
579
00:24:04,966 --> 00:24:07,033
At 233 flower.
580
00:24:07,102 --> 00:24:09,736
We have a phone number
identified that was used
581
00:24:09,738 --> 00:24:12,339
To make the ransom calls
and that phone number
582
00:24:12,407 --> 00:24:15,609
Comes back to alejandro
sanchez, and we have
583
00:24:15,611 --> 00:24:19,446
Ex employee jose
sanchez-hyphen-perez
584
00:24:19,514 --> 00:24:23,049
Terminated by the
victim's father, alex.
585
00:24:23,118 --> 00:24:24,418
Through the
investigation,
586
00:24:24,486 --> 00:24:26,219
We find the
three suspects
587
00:24:26,288 --> 00:24:28,388
And they all three
potentially played
588
00:24:28,456 --> 00:24:31,558
A huge role in
kidnapping melissa.
589
00:24:31,626 --> 00:24:33,960
At this point we're
starting to think
590
00:24:34,029 --> 00:24:36,029
We're on the
right track.
591
00:24:36,031 --> 00:24:38,031
Narrator: Detective
ebert immediately
592
00:24:38,100 --> 00:24:41,034
Relays to his team the
name alejandro sanchez
593
00:24:41,102 --> 00:24:43,303
As the registered owner
of the phone number
594
00:24:43,371 --> 00:24:46,673
The ransom call came
from, and also includes
595
00:24:46,741 --> 00:24:49,442
Alejandro's cellphone
carrier, cricket wireless.
596
00:24:49,511 --> 00:24:51,912
One of his officers
makes a connection.
597
00:24:51,980 --> 00:24:54,581
Det. Ebert: Alejandro
sanchez's phone number
598
00:24:54,650 --> 00:24:56,783
Was a cricket
wireless phone number,
599
00:24:56,851 --> 00:24:58,585
And it just so
happened that the
600
00:24:58,587 --> 00:25:00,520
Surveillance officer
that was sitting on
601
00:25:00,589 --> 00:25:02,723
Cesar sanchez's
apartment realized that
602
00:25:02,791 --> 00:25:05,191
The strip mall just
to the east of the
603
00:25:05,260 --> 00:25:08,562
Apartment complex
had a cricket wireless.
604
00:25:08,630 --> 00:25:10,597
Narrator: A detective
immediately goes
605
00:25:10,599 --> 00:25:12,432
To inquire
about the number.
606
00:25:12,500 --> 00:25:14,200
Det. Ebert: The
detective found out
607
00:25:14,203 --> 00:25:16,069
That there had
been a bill paid
608
00:25:16,071 --> 00:25:18,305
By the owner of
the phone recently.
609
00:25:18,373 --> 00:25:20,674
Narrator: A surveillance
camera leads to a break.
610
00:25:20,742 --> 00:25:21,908
Det. Ebert:
Surveillance was
611
00:25:21,977 --> 00:25:23,343
Gathered from
that store,
612
00:25:23,411 --> 00:25:25,078
Which allowed us to
get a surveillance
613
00:25:25,146 --> 00:25:27,647
Photo of alejandro
sanchez himself
614
00:25:27,716 --> 00:25:30,884
Paying the phone
bill in person.
615
00:25:30,953 --> 00:25:33,153
The detective
also found out that
616
00:25:33,221 --> 00:25:37,291
Alejandro sanchez
lived at 225 flower,
617
00:25:37,359 --> 00:25:39,993
Which was within the
same apartment complex
618
00:25:42,297 --> 00:25:44,631
Where 233
flower was at.
619
00:25:44,633 --> 00:25:46,366
Narrator: Cesar sanchez,
owner of the car,
620
00:25:46,435 --> 00:25:48,902
Lives at
233 flower.
621
00:25:48,904 --> 00:25:51,171
Both men have now been
tied to the abduction,
622
00:25:51,239 --> 00:25:53,373
Whether they are
related or not.
623
00:25:53,441 --> 00:25:55,809
And police want to
know: Is melissa
624
00:25:55,877 --> 00:25:58,478
In one of these two
apartment buildings?
625
00:25:58,546 --> 00:26:00,314
And is she
still alive?
626
00:26:02,117 --> 00:26:03,050
Coming up:
627
00:26:03,118 --> 00:26:04,918
The family receives
another call
628
00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:06,386
From the
kidnappers...
629
00:26:06,455 --> 00:26:08,521
I had no idea if
melissa was okay.
630
00:26:08,524 --> 00:26:10,590
Narrator: ..Which
leads detectives
631
00:26:10,659 --> 00:26:13,326
To deploy their
riskiest move so far.
632
00:26:13,329 --> 00:26:15,161
From a swat
perspective,
633
00:26:15,230 --> 00:26:18,165
This is about as
serious as it gets.
634
00:26:29,411 --> 00:26:31,411
Narrator:
Investigators are now
635
00:26:31,479 --> 00:26:34,381
Nine hours into their
72-hour countdown.
636
00:26:34,449 --> 00:26:36,950
They have just learned
that their two suspects,
637
00:26:37,019 --> 00:26:39,552
Cesar sanchez and
alejandro sanchez,
638
00:26:39,621 --> 00:26:42,556
Live in the same
apartment complex.
639
00:26:42,624 --> 00:26:46,026
At this point we don't
know where melissa's at.
640
00:26:46,094 --> 00:26:47,861
We don't know
if she's in
641
00:26:47,929 --> 00:26:49,596
One of these
apartments,
642
00:26:49,664 --> 00:26:51,865
If she's being held at
a different location.
643
00:26:51,933 --> 00:26:53,900
All we know is that
those two apartments
644
00:26:53,902 --> 00:26:56,036
Are connected, from
the burned car to the
645
00:26:56,104 --> 00:26:59,072
Cell phone that was used
to make the ransom calls.
646
00:26:59,140 --> 00:27:02,175
We know that alejandro
and cesar sanchez
647
00:27:02,244 --> 00:27:05,178
Are connected to
this kidnapping.
648
00:27:05,246 --> 00:27:07,380
We needed to
establish surveillance
649
00:27:07,383 --> 00:27:10,650
From different rooftops
and hopefully identify
650
00:27:10,719 --> 00:27:13,387
Who's coming and going
from those apartments.
651
00:27:13,455 --> 00:27:15,522
Narrator: Confident
of a connection to the
652
00:27:15,590 --> 00:27:17,657
Kidnapping but not
certain of how these
653
00:27:17,660 --> 00:27:20,393
Two men are involved,
investigators send the
654
00:27:20,462 --> 00:27:22,462
Surveillance photo
of alejandro sanchez
655
00:27:22,464 --> 00:27:25,132
And the driver's license
photo of cesar sanchez
656
00:27:25,200 --> 00:27:26,833
To detective
benjamins,
657
00:27:26,901 --> 00:27:29,102
Who is still at
the duran house.
658
00:27:29,170 --> 00:27:31,905
Our next goal was
to try to identify
659
00:27:31,973 --> 00:27:34,274
Who alejandro
sanchez was
660
00:27:34,342 --> 00:27:36,276
As well as
cesar sanchez.
661
00:27:39,415 --> 00:27:42,315
They did not
recognize the suspects.
662
00:27:42,383 --> 00:27:44,317
It was extremely
frustrating.
663
00:27:44,385 --> 00:27:46,286
Narrator: Knowing
that these apartments
664
00:27:46,354 --> 00:27:48,354
Are the strongest
lead and that a
665
00:27:48,357 --> 00:27:50,624
Quick forced entry
may be required
666
00:27:50,692 --> 00:27:53,293
Once they confirm
melissa is in them,
667
00:27:53,361 --> 00:27:56,162
Police call in
the swat team.
668
00:27:56,231 --> 00:27:58,365
I had received a
call from my boss
669
00:27:58,433 --> 00:28:00,600
Indicating that
detectives were working
670
00:28:00,668 --> 00:28:03,103
A hostage
for ransom.
671
00:28:03,171 --> 00:28:06,339
They demanded $150,000
for her safe return
672
00:28:06,407 --> 00:28:08,108
And if there was
any indication
673
00:28:08,176 --> 00:28:10,644
That they had
contacted police,
674
00:28:10,712 --> 00:28:13,279
They were gonna go ahead
and execute the hostage.
675
00:28:13,348 --> 00:28:14,881
The entire time I
was thinking that
676
00:28:14,949 --> 00:28:17,117
If they see you,
they might kill her.
677
00:28:17,185 --> 00:28:18,785
This, from a
swat perspective,
678
00:28:18,787 --> 00:28:21,188
Is about as
serious as they get.
679
00:28:21,256 --> 00:28:24,124
I'm looking at my
clock the entire time
680
00:28:24,126 --> 00:28:26,459
And hoping and
praying that we
681
00:28:26,528 --> 00:28:28,261
Can get more
information.
682
00:28:28,330 --> 00:28:30,530
It was a very
difficult situation.
683
00:28:30,599 --> 00:28:32,365
It's like watching
an hourglass,
684
00:28:32,433 --> 00:28:34,667
Knowing that time
is running out.
685
00:28:34,670 --> 00:28:36,803
Narrator: It has
been almost 14 hours
686
00:28:36,805 --> 00:28:38,671
Since the last
ransom call
687
00:28:38,674 --> 00:28:41,941
And any sign that
melissa is still alive.
688
00:28:42,010 --> 00:28:45,545
The family was
absolutely devastated.
689
00:28:45,613 --> 00:28:48,014
You could
feel the pain;
690
00:28:48,083 --> 00:28:50,150
You could feel
the angst,
691
00:28:50,152 --> 00:28:53,487
Especially because you
don't have an end yet.
692
00:28:53,555 --> 00:28:56,756
Narrator: And without
warning, another call.
693
00:28:56,825 --> 00:28:58,825
At around 10:30
in the evening,
694
00:28:58,827 --> 00:29:02,162
There was another ransom
call made to the family.
695
00:29:02,164 --> 00:29:05,232
Narrator:
Detective benjamins
696
00:29:05,300 --> 00:29:08,134
Was with the family.
She told mr. Duran to
697
00:29:08,203 --> 00:29:10,804
Put the call on speaker
so they could listen.
698
00:29:10,872 --> 00:29:14,808
Whose voice
would they hear?
699
00:29:14,876 --> 00:29:17,210
It was melissa
on the phone.
700
00:29:17,278 --> 00:29:20,680
Ahhh.. She's
still there.
701
00:29:20,748 --> 00:29:23,383
We still can
get her back,
702
00:29:23,385 --> 00:29:27,253
And that re-energizes
those investigators.
703
00:29:27,256 --> 00:29:31,257
We were all so excited
that she was still alive.
704
00:29:31,260 --> 00:29:34,160
Narrator: Police
immediately put a trace
705
00:29:34,229 --> 00:29:36,729
On the call, hoping to
determine the location
706
00:29:36,732 --> 00:29:39,465
Of the kidnapper's
phone and melissa.
707
00:29:39,534 --> 00:29:41,000
Det. Benjamins:
A trace gives us
708
00:29:41,003 --> 00:29:42,869
Real time tower
records, basically,
709
00:29:42,938 --> 00:29:45,104
So if the phone's
on and it's pinging,
710
00:29:45,173 --> 00:29:46,740
We're able to
track the phone.
711
00:29:46,808 --> 00:29:49,142
Narrator: To pinpoint
the kidnapper's location
712
00:29:49,144 --> 00:29:57,050
Police need
the conversation
713
00:29:57,118 --> 00:29:58,585
To go on
long enough
714
00:29:58,653 --> 00:30:00,787
To give them time to
complete the trace.
715
00:30:00,855 --> 00:30:03,256
Mr. Duran keeps
melissa talking.
716
00:30:03,258 --> 00:30:05,191
Det. Benjamins:
Melissa asked her father
717
00:30:05,259 --> 00:30:07,127
If he had obtained
the ransom money.
718
00:30:07,195 --> 00:30:09,663
Det. Ebert: She
said that time was
719
00:30:09,731 --> 00:30:14,334
Running out and she
didn't want to die.
720
00:30:14,336 --> 00:30:17,670
Narrator: Suddenly,
the line goes dead.
721
00:30:17,673 --> 00:30:20,073
Detectives
examine the trace
722
00:30:20,075 --> 00:30:22,208
Of the
kidnapper's phone.
723
00:30:22,277 --> 00:30:25,011
If it leads to alejandro
and the apartment,
724
00:30:25,013 --> 00:30:27,613
Swat is there and
ready to rescue melissa.
725
00:30:27,682 --> 00:30:30,083
If it doesn't, they
will have to race
726
00:30:30,085 --> 00:30:32,318
To wherever the
phone pings.
727
00:30:32,387 --> 00:30:35,021
[beeping]
728
00:30:35,090 --> 00:30:37,423
Narrator: They
have a location.
729
00:30:37,426 --> 00:30:39,392
The phone call that
came in for ransom
730
00:30:39,460 --> 00:30:41,294
To the family
at the house
731
00:30:41,363 --> 00:30:44,030
Led to alejandro
sanchez's apartment
732
00:30:44,098 --> 00:30:46,366
On flower street.
733
00:30:46,368 --> 00:30:48,101
That's the break
in the case.
734
00:30:48,169 --> 00:30:49,836
That's the
major deal.
735
00:30:49,904 --> 00:30:52,238
Narrator: With search
warrants secured to the
736
00:30:52,240 --> 00:30:54,507
Apartments of alejandro
and cesar sanchez,
737
00:30:54,509 --> 00:30:56,109
It's go time.
738
00:30:56,111 --> 00:30:58,444
[clock ticking]
739
00:30:58,513 --> 00:31:00,380
The plan was
to roll in dark
740
00:31:00,448 --> 00:31:02,415
And as quiet
as possible.
741
00:31:06,521 --> 00:31:08,988
There is the risk that
the suspects are gonna
742
00:31:09,057 --> 00:31:11,190
Know we're there and
they're gonna carry
743
00:31:11,193 --> 00:31:13,193
Through with their
threat of shooting her
744
00:31:13,261 --> 00:31:15,461
Or otherwise
taking her out.
745
00:31:15,464 --> 00:31:17,563
My heart was
beating like crazy.
746
00:31:17,632 --> 00:31:19,866
The stress and the
pressure of knowing
747
00:31:19,868 --> 00:31:22,669
That anything can
happen in this scenario
748
00:31:22,737 --> 00:31:25,271
Was weighing
very heavily on me.
749
00:31:25,339 --> 00:31:28,941
And at that point,
I gave the order.
750
00:31:32,046 --> 00:31:33,813
Coming up:
751
00:31:33,881 --> 00:31:36,816
Will police find
melissa in time?
752
00:31:49,164 --> 00:31:51,831
Narrator: It has
been 18 hours since
753
00:31:51,899 --> 00:31:53,767
Melissa duran
was forcibly taken
754
00:31:53,835 --> 00:31:55,769
From her home and,
for investigators,
755
00:31:55,837 --> 00:31:58,171
It has been a
nonstop day.
756
00:31:58,173 --> 00:32:00,707
The frantic search has
led them to this moment.
757
00:32:00,775 --> 00:32:02,809
Swat teams prepare
to make forced entry
758
00:32:02,877 --> 00:32:04,944
Into the apartments
of cesar sanchez,
759
00:32:05,012 --> 00:32:06,813
Who owned the
getaway car,
760
00:32:06,881 --> 00:32:08,981
And alejandro
sanchez,
761
00:32:08,984 --> 00:32:10,817
Who owned
the cell phone
762
00:32:10,885 --> 00:32:12,852
Used for the
ransom calls.
763
00:32:12,854 --> 00:32:14,787
Lieut. Sutton:
They got two
764
00:32:14,856 --> 00:32:16,556
Search warrants
for the apartments
765
00:32:16,624 --> 00:32:18,691
And so it required
two teams.
766
00:32:18,759 --> 00:32:20,793
It required two
different tactical plans
767
00:32:20,862 --> 00:32:23,396
And a
coordinated effort.
768
00:32:23,465 --> 00:32:25,131
Narrator: Detectives
have been warned
769
00:32:25,133 --> 00:32:26,799
That if the
kidnappers suspect
770
00:32:26,868 --> 00:32:29,602
Police involvement,
they will kill melissa.
771
00:32:29,670 --> 00:32:34,207
So swat teams roll
in dark and quiet.
772
00:32:34,275 --> 00:32:35,908
They breach
the entry
773
00:32:35,977 --> 00:32:37,543
And storm
through the door.
774
00:32:37,546 --> 00:32:40,046
[loud crash]
775
00:32:40,114 --> 00:32:41,948
Det. Ebert: Cesar
sanchez's apartment:
776
00:32:42,016 --> 00:32:43,549
There was
four individuals
777
00:32:43,552 --> 00:32:45,151
Found in there.
778
00:32:45,220 --> 00:32:46,486
Narrator: At
the same time,
779
00:32:46,488 --> 00:32:48,187
Another swat team
storms the apartment
780
00:32:48,256 --> 00:32:50,556
Of alejandro
sanchez upstairs.
781
00:32:50,625 --> 00:32:51,958
Det. Ebert: They
find four subjects
782
00:32:52,026 --> 00:32:53,426
Inside that
apartment.
783
00:32:53,495 --> 00:32:56,229
Toby yurek: The teams
are continuing through,
784
00:32:56,297 --> 00:32:58,231
Making entry into
the apartment,
785
00:32:58,233 --> 00:33:00,366
Looking into the
bedrooms, closets,
786
00:33:00,435 --> 00:33:02,602
Bathrooms, everywhere,
and very quickly
787
00:33:02,670 --> 00:33:04,704
It was reported back
to me by those teams
788
00:33:04,772 --> 00:33:08,441
The hostage was not
located inside there.
789
00:33:08,509 --> 00:33:11,644
Narrator: There is
no sign of melissa
790
00:33:11,712 --> 00:33:13,546
In either apartment.
791
00:33:13,614 --> 00:33:15,781
Every one of these
police officers was
792
00:33:15,850 --> 00:33:19,852
Focused on saving
this girl's life.
793
00:33:19,855 --> 00:33:23,022
They put all that
energy, all that heart,
794
00:33:23,090 --> 00:33:27,126
All that soul, and
then they came up empty.
795
00:33:27,195 --> 00:33:29,863
Hugely frustrating.
796
00:33:29,931 --> 00:33:33,166
Narrator: It has been
two hours since melissa
797
00:33:33,234 --> 00:33:35,602
Was last heard on
the phone alive.
798
00:33:35,670 --> 00:33:37,837
Toby yurek: Now
the big hitch was,
799
00:33:37,905 --> 00:33:39,605
Are they gonna
follow through
800
00:33:39,608 --> 00:33:42,408
With their decision
to execute her
801
00:33:42,477 --> 00:33:44,744
If the police
were contacted?
802
00:33:44,812 --> 00:33:47,956
It made sense that
this could be a
803
00:33:47,958 --> 00:33:50,559
Cartel-related
kidnapping.
804
00:33:50,627 --> 00:33:52,461
They're
exceedingly violent,
805
00:33:52,529 --> 00:33:54,963
So if someone
interferes with them,
806
00:33:55,031 --> 00:33:57,699
They will kill them
in a heartbeat.
807
00:33:57,768 --> 00:34:00,502
Det. Ebert: Our
goal was to interview
808
00:34:00,504 --> 00:34:03,439
Each of the individuals
to see who they were,
809
00:34:03,507 --> 00:34:07,309
See if we could identify
each one of them,
810
00:34:07,377 --> 00:34:11,046
And find out if any of
them had seen melissa.
811
00:34:11,048 --> 00:34:12,514
So they were
all detained
812
00:34:12,583 --> 00:34:14,249
And brought
downstairs.
813
00:34:14,318 --> 00:34:16,184
Narrator: But there
is added pressure:
814
00:34:16,253 --> 00:34:18,520
The state of nevada
has a very specific rule
815
00:34:18,522 --> 00:34:20,622
With regard
to suspects.
816
00:34:20,690 --> 00:34:22,190
Det. Ebert: In the
state of nevada
817
00:34:22,259 --> 00:34:23,959
We have a
60-minute rule.
818
00:34:24,027 --> 00:34:26,261
If we can't identify
some kind of
819
00:34:26,330 --> 00:34:28,530
Legal reason to
hold a suspect
820
00:34:28,599 --> 00:34:31,066
Past 60 minutes, we
have no choice but to
821
00:34:31,134 --> 00:34:33,802
Either try to gain their
consent to stay on scene
822
00:34:33,870 --> 00:34:35,604
Or we have to
release them.
823
00:34:35,672 --> 00:34:37,739
Narrator: With the
60 minutes already
824
00:34:37,808 --> 00:34:39,941
Ticking by,
detective ebert
825
00:34:40,010 --> 00:34:43,078
Immediately hones in
on his prime suspects.
826
00:34:43,080 --> 00:34:45,013
Det. Ebert: We
were able to identify
827
00:34:45,081 --> 00:34:47,983
Cesar sanchez from the
driver's license photo
828
00:34:48,051 --> 00:34:50,285
Which we found via
the registration of his
829
00:34:50,354 --> 00:34:52,787
Vehicle that was used
in the kidnapping, and
830
00:34:52,856 --> 00:34:55,557
Alejandro sanchez based
on the photograph that
831
00:34:55,625 --> 00:34:57,692
We recovered from the
cricket wireless store
832
00:34:57,761 --> 00:34:59,895
Next to the
apartment complex.
833
00:34:59,963 --> 00:35:01,897
Narrator: The first
person detective ebert
834
00:35:01,965 --> 00:35:04,366
Wants to question is
alejandro sanchez.
835
00:35:04,434 --> 00:35:06,001
Det. Ebert: We
asked him about
836
00:35:06,069 --> 00:35:07,602
His cell phone
and he said
837
00:35:07,671 --> 00:35:09,304
He didn't have
it with him,
838
00:35:09,372 --> 00:35:12,174
But we found a cell
phone in his pocket.
839
00:35:12,242 --> 00:35:16,444
Upon looking at the
front of the cell phone,
840
00:35:16,447 --> 00:35:19,648
You could see that last
number that he had called
841
00:35:19,716 --> 00:35:23,785
Was melissa's
father, alex.
842
00:35:23,854 --> 00:35:26,454
When we asked
alejandro why he lied
843
00:35:26,457 --> 00:35:28,991
About having his phone,
he said that he had
844
00:35:29,059 --> 00:35:31,760
Let two friends use
his phone and that
845
00:35:31,828 --> 00:35:33,662
He didn't have
anything to do with
846
00:35:33,664 --> 00:35:36,331
Melissa's kidnapping
or disappearance.
847
00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:38,734
Narrator: As precious
minutes slip away,
848
00:35:38,802 --> 00:35:42,037
Alejandro sanchez
continues to deny knowing
849
00:35:42,105 --> 00:35:45,473
Anything about melissa
duran or her abduction.
850
00:35:45,542 --> 00:35:47,375
A frustrated
detective ebert
851
00:35:47,444 --> 00:35:49,411
Moves on to question
cesar sanchez,
852
00:35:49,479 --> 00:35:51,346
The registered owner
of the car used
853
00:35:51,414 --> 00:35:53,214
To take melissa
from her home.
854
00:35:53,283 --> 00:35:55,116
Cesar sanchez
tried to claim
855
00:35:55,185 --> 00:35:57,218
That he lent his
vehicle to a friend
856
00:35:57,287 --> 00:35:59,654
And his friend
never returned.
857
00:35:59,723 --> 00:36:02,958
Narrator: Cesar sanchez
also insists that he knows
858
00:36:03,026 --> 00:36:05,126
Nothing of melissa
duran's kidnapping.
859
00:36:05,195 --> 00:36:07,295
But as time is
running out on the
860
00:36:07,298 --> 00:36:09,431
60 minute rule, police
have enough evidence
861
00:36:09,433 --> 00:36:11,232
Of their involvement
in the kidnapping
862
00:36:11,301 --> 00:36:13,835
That they place both
men under arrest.
863
00:36:13,837 --> 00:36:16,171
However, there is
one suspect that has
864
00:36:16,239 --> 00:36:17,973
Completely
eluded them:
865
00:36:17,975 --> 00:36:20,775
The original suspect,
the employee fired
866
00:36:20,778 --> 00:36:23,144
From the duran
landscaping company,
867
00:36:23,213 --> 00:36:25,981
Jose
sanchez-perez.
868
00:36:25,983 --> 00:36:30,385
We still hadn't located
jose sanchez-perez.
869
00:36:30,387 --> 00:36:33,722
We had no idea
what he looked like
870
00:36:33,724 --> 00:36:35,591
'cause we had
no photos.
871
00:36:35,659 --> 00:36:37,593
The family couldn't
provide any photos.
872
00:36:37,661 --> 00:36:39,794
He had no identification
that we could look up
873
00:36:39,863 --> 00:36:41,730
In the system
and see a photo.
874
00:36:41,798 --> 00:36:43,465
Narrator: With the
race to find melissa,
875
00:36:43,467 --> 00:36:45,867
And nevada's 60-minute
limit about to expire,
876
00:36:45,869 --> 00:36:48,536
The detectives are
forced to make quick
877
00:36:48,539 --> 00:36:51,673
Determinations on what
involvement, if any,
878
00:36:51,741 --> 00:36:54,142
The other six men
found in the apartments
879
00:36:54,211 --> 00:36:57,045
Might have with
melissa's abduction.
880
00:36:57,113 --> 00:36:59,080
Det. Ebert: None of
them had any type of
881
00:36:59,083 --> 00:37:01,449
Identification
of who they were.
882
00:37:01,518 --> 00:37:03,718
None of them have
any evidence on them
883
00:37:03,787 --> 00:37:05,687
That links them to
the kidnapping of
884
00:37:05,755 --> 00:37:07,089
Melissa duran.
885
00:37:07,157 --> 00:37:09,024
We can only
detain them within
886
00:37:09,092 --> 00:37:10,759
That 60-minute
time frame.
887
00:37:10,827 --> 00:37:12,761
All we could do was
take some photographs
888
00:37:12,829 --> 00:37:14,829
Of each one
of them.
889
00:37:14,832 --> 00:37:17,599
It made us angry that
we had to let them go
890
00:37:17,667 --> 00:37:21,036
Because we knew that
they probably had some
891
00:37:21,104 --> 00:37:24,806
Form of knowledge of
where melissa was at.
892
00:37:24,874 --> 00:37:27,175
Narrator: Determined to
get answers about melissa,
893
00:37:27,243 --> 00:37:29,778
Detective ebert
questions alejandro.
894
00:37:29,780 --> 00:37:32,414
First he hits alejandro
with some of the facts
895
00:37:32,482 --> 00:37:35,117
That link him to
melissa's kidnapping.
896
00:37:35,185 --> 00:37:36,985
Det. Ebert: The fact
that we had pictures
897
00:37:37,054 --> 00:37:38,687
Of him and
video of him
898
00:37:38,755 --> 00:37:40,588
Buying minutes
for his phone,
899
00:37:40,591 --> 00:37:43,058
The fact that he had
the phone on his person,
900
00:37:43,126 --> 00:37:44,993
The fact that we were
able to trace the
901
00:37:45,062 --> 00:37:47,195
Last ransom call back
to his apartment,
902
00:37:47,263 --> 00:37:49,464
And we knew
that he knew
903
00:37:49,532 --> 00:37:51,933
Where melissa
was at.
904
00:37:51,935 --> 00:37:54,836
Narrator: Hearing detective
ebert lay out the facts
905
00:37:54,904 --> 00:37:57,672
Leads alejandro to
make a decision.
906
00:37:57,675 --> 00:38:03,078
And he ultimately
decided to come clean.
907
00:38:03,146 --> 00:38:05,613
And that's when
he told us that
908
00:38:05,682 --> 00:38:08,950
Jose sanchez-perez
was the ringleader.
909
00:38:09,018 --> 00:38:12,287
Narrator: Jose was angry
that alex duran fired him.
910
00:38:12,355 --> 00:38:14,356
Plus, he
was in debt.
911
00:38:14,424 --> 00:38:16,157
He knew the
duran family
912
00:38:16,226 --> 00:38:17,892
And the layout
of the house.
913
00:38:17,961 --> 00:38:19,527
Kidnapping one
of the children
914
00:38:19,596 --> 00:38:21,262
Seemed like
easy money.
915
00:38:21,331 --> 00:38:22,997
For police,
this confirms
916
00:38:23,066 --> 00:38:24,632
Their initial
suspicions.
917
00:38:24,635 --> 00:38:26,568
Jose's termination
and debt were indeed
918
00:38:26,636 --> 00:38:28,503
The catalyst for
the kidnapping.
919
00:38:28,572 --> 00:38:32,073
Jose borrowed
cesar sanchez's car
920
00:38:32,142 --> 00:38:37,645
And plotted out this
kidnap event where him
921
00:38:37,714 --> 00:38:41,717
And alejandro sanchez
and alejandro's brother
922
00:38:41,785 --> 00:38:44,652
Mariano sanchez would
do the kidnapping,
923
00:38:44,655 --> 00:38:46,221
And they
were ultimately
924
00:38:46,289 --> 00:38:49,124
Gonna get paid by
jose sanchez-perez.
925
00:38:49,192 --> 00:38:51,159
Narrator: Detectives
push alejandro:
926
00:38:51,227 --> 00:38:53,128
"where is melissa
being held?"
927
00:38:53,196 --> 00:38:56,598
And alejandro
drops a bombshell.
928
00:38:56,666 --> 00:38:58,867
He told us that
melissa was in the
929
00:38:58,935 --> 00:39:01,269
Apartment directly
across the hall.
930
00:39:01,337 --> 00:39:04,105
Narrator: Melissa
has been that close
931
00:39:04,174 --> 00:39:06,508
The entire time.
932
00:39:06,576 --> 00:39:09,310
Detective ebert quickly
relays that information
933
00:39:09,379 --> 00:39:12,147
To the swat teams who
were still on standby
934
00:39:12,215 --> 00:39:14,382
Ready to look
for melissa.
935
00:39:14,450 --> 00:39:15,484
Toby yurek:
Immediately I gave
936
00:39:15,552 --> 00:39:17,753
The order to go
ahead and breach.
937
00:39:17,821 --> 00:39:21,089
We didn't know if she was
in there dead or alive.
938
00:39:21,158 --> 00:39:23,291
Toby yurek: Our entry
tactic was a dynamic entry
939
00:39:23,359 --> 00:39:25,627
Because if there
was somebody in there
940
00:39:25,629 --> 00:39:27,629
We needed to get
to her quickly.
941
00:39:30,433 --> 00:39:32,000
It was a dark
apartment;
942
00:39:32,068 --> 00:39:33,868
It was completely
black in there.
943
00:39:33,937 --> 00:39:35,570
Our officers
are using their
944
00:39:35,638 --> 00:39:37,639
Tactical flashlights,
screaming, "melissa!
945
00:39:37,707 --> 00:39:39,641
Melissa, where
are you? Swat!
946
00:39:39,643 --> 00:39:41,376
Police department!"
947
00:39:41,444 --> 00:39:43,912
- Trying to get a
message out to melissa
948
00:39:43,914 --> 00:39:45,914
If she's in there
so she can respond.
949
00:39:48,452 --> 00:39:52,320
The swat team didn't
get any responses back.
950
00:39:52,389 --> 00:39:54,289
There was nothing.
951
00:40:02,198 --> 00:40:03,765
Narrator: Police
learn melissa duran
952
00:40:03,833 --> 00:40:05,767
Is in an apartment
across the hall
953
00:40:05,835 --> 00:40:08,403
From the location
they have just raided.
954
00:40:08,471 --> 00:40:12,173
The swat team
goes in immediately.
955
00:40:12,242 --> 00:40:14,309
It was completely
black in there.
956
00:40:14,377 --> 00:40:16,745
Our officers
are using their
957
00:40:16,813 --> 00:40:19,214
Tactical flashlights,
screaming, "melissa!
958
00:40:19,282 --> 00:40:20,481
Melissa,
where are you?
959
00:40:20,484 --> 00:40:22,484
Swat! Police
department!"
960
00:40:25,722 --> 00:40:27,755
The team is making
its way through this
961
00:40:27,824 --> 00:40:31,359
Two-bedroom
apartment and as our
962
00:40:31,427 --> 00:40:33,962
Officers reached
the back bedroom
963
00:40:34,030 --> 00:40:37,332
[music crescendo]
964
00:40:43,506 --> 00:40:46,441
They were able to see
that she was inside -
965
00:40:46,509 --> 00:40:48,877
Unharmed to the extent
that they could see
966
00:40:48,945 --> 00:40:51,046
Saw a big smile
on her face and just
967
00:40:51,114 --> 00:40:54,082
Scooped her up as
quickly as they could.
968
00:40:56,386 --> 00:40:59,554
To be able to
see her safe..
969
00:40:59,622 --> 00:41:01,189
Just a big
sigh of relief,
970
00:41:01,258 --> 00:41:03,291
And an overwhelming
sense of joy and
971
00:41:03,359 --> 00:41:05,994
Excitement that came
over me at that point.
972
00:41:06,062 --> 00:41:08,596
Det. Ebert: When they
bring her downstairs,
973
00:41:08,665 --> 00:41:09,998
We were
just ecstatic.
974
00:41:10,066 --> 00:41:12,500
It was awesome to know
that we got her in time
975
00:41:12,568 --> 00:41:15,136
And that she was
gonna be okay.
976
00:41:15,204 --> 00:41:17,805
Narrator: Detective
ebert calls
977
00:41:17,874 --> 00:41:20,074
Detective benjamins
at the duran house
978
00:41:20,143 --> 00:41:22,343
To give them
the good news.
979
00:41:22,412 --> 00:41:23,845
When I received
the phone call that
980
00:41:23,913 --> 00:41:26,147
We did recover her and
she was in good health,
981
00:41:26,149 --> 00:41:27,815
I was elated, you
know, I couldn't wait
982
00:41:27,884 --> 00:41:29,818
To share that
with the family.
983
00:41:40,030 --> 00:41:42,030
As a young
girl and being
984
00:41:42,032 --> 00:41:43,598
Snatched out
of your house,
985
00:41:43,666 --> 00:41:44,833
[screaming]
986
00:41:44,901 --> 00:41:46,301
Being worried
for your life..
987
00:41:46,369 --> 00:41:47,969
The victim
herself -
988
00:41:48,037 --> 00:41:49,904
The fact that she
kept her cool
989
00:41:49,907 --> 00:41:53,241
Showed incredible
fortitude.
990
00:41:58,481 --> 00:42:00,248
Narrator: Detectives
show the duran family
991
00:42:00,316 --> 00:42:02,450
Photos of the
unidentified men
992
00:42:02,452 --> 00:42:06,154
At the apartments where
melissa was found.
993
00:42:06,222 --> 00:42:10,125
They confirm one of them
is jose sanchez-perez.
994
00:42:12,863 --> 00:42:16,731
Police finally know
what he looks like.
995
00:42:16,800 --> 00:42:17,865
Within days,
996
00:42:17,934 --> 00:42:20,568
Jose sanchez-perez,
the ringleader, and
997
00:42:20,636 --> 00:42:23,004
Alejandro sanchez's
brother mariano,
998
00:42:23,073 --> 00:42:25,073
Who drove the car the
day of the kidnapping,
999
00:42:25,141 --> 00:42:26,408
Are both arrested.
1000
00:42:47,864 --> 00:42:49,097
Det. Benjamins:
Here in henderson,
1001
00:42:49,165 --> 00:42:50,898
We just don't have
these type of crimes
1002
00:42:50,901 --> 00:42:52,900
Very often so when
they do they hit home.
1003
00:42:52,903 --> 00:42:55,269
Brings tears to my
eyes that we found her.
1004
00:42:55,338 --> 00:42:56,604
She could've
been dead,
1005
00:42:56,672 --> 00:42:58,373
And that's the last
thing you want.
1006
00:42:58,441 --> 00:43:00,408
I get a little
emotional about it.
1007
00:43:02,646 --> 00:43:05,546
I really was just
thinking about
1008
00:43:05,615 --> 00:43:07,915
This can't be
how it ends.
1009
00:43:07,984 --> 00:43:10,585
There's just so
much for me to do,
1010
00:43:10,653 --> 00:43:12,654
Like, there's so
much I haven't done.
1011
00:43:12,722 --> 00:43:14,589
Thinking that
kept me sane.
1012
00:43:14,657 --> 00:43:18,359
Although it was a very
traumatic experience,
1013
00:43:18,428 --> 00:43:23,297
It was a huge blessing
to me to and my family.
1014
00:43:23,366 --> 00:43:26,234
I feel like
because of this,
1015
00:43:26,302 --> 00:43:28,002
Because of what
has happened,
1016
00:43:28,005 --> 00:43:29,837
We all have a different
outlook on life
1017
00:43:29,906 --> 00:43:32,240
So we're just all
more positive people.
1018
00:43:32,308 --> 00:43:34,876
We now, like, love
each other even more.
1019
00:43:34,944 --> 00:43:38,012
It's just made,
like, all of our lives
1020
00:43:38,015 --> 00:43:39,580
- With each other -
1021
00:43:39,649 --> 00:43:42,517
And our own
lives better.
1022
00:43:45,756 --> 00:43:47,756
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