(KRON) — A woman who was kidnapped in Mexico last year has been found and will soon be reunited with her family in the Bay Area, the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed to KRON.
Monica De Leon Barba was kidnapped while out walking her dog on Nov. 29, 2022 in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, Mexico.
The FBI released video of her kidnapping to the public in April to help find her. In the video, De Leon Barba can be seen walking along the road with her dog. She was then forced into a vehicle by several suspects.
In a second clip, three cars were highlighted which were used in the kidnapping, the FBI said. The descriptions of five suspects were released as well. De Leon Barba’s dog was later seen running loose in the street, before it was found by a family member.
“For the past eight months, FBI personnel in California and Mexico have worked tirelessly with the family and with partners here and in Mexico,” said Special Agent In Charge Robert Tripp of the FBI San Francisco Field Office. “The FBI investigation is far from over, but we can now work this case knowing an innocent victim is reunited with her family. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our law enforcement partners, to the family, and to the San Mateo community for their continued engagement and advocacy. They never forgot Monica, and neither did we.”
This is a developing story. Stick with KTLA for updates.