Burien, WA — In a horrifying sequence of events that unfolded across multiple Washington counties, two men are now facing serious felony charges for the alleged kidnapping, torture, and shooting of a 58-year-old woman from Burien. Authorities are investigating potential connections between one of the suspects and Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang implicated in escalating violent activities in the United States.
The accused, Kevin Daniel Sanabria Ojeda, 24, and Alexander Moises Arnaez-Gutierrez, 25, have been formally charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, and robbery by the King County Superior Court. According to prosecutor’s statements, the ordeal began on January 21 when the victim was forcibly taken outside her apartment as she returned home from work late in the evening.
Officials described a chilling scene in which the suspects allegedly coerced the woman into a vehicle, discharging a firearm as she resisted. The perpetrators then purportedly transported her towards the Cascade Mountains while trying to extract personal and financial details from her. In a distressing account, investigators detailed how a power drill was reportedly used on the woman’s hand in an attempt to gain access to her cellphone and bank accounts, accompanying their efforts with threats of further violence.
The situation escalated when the perpetrators drove the woman to a secluded area along Interstate 90 in Kittitas County, where she was shot and supposedly left to die. Believing the shot had killed her, the suspects fled, but the resilient victim managed to survive. After the attackers left, she flagged down a passing motorist who helped her reach safety.
The victim was subsequently transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where upon recovery, she provided detectives with a stark recollection of her dreadful experience. She recounted feigning death after the attackers mistakenly believed they had fatally shot her in the head, though she was actually hit in the shoulder.
In response to the crime, King County Sheriff’s Office engaged in an extensive interstate investigation with cooperation from the FBI. Sanabria was apprehended in a motel in Illinois shortly after the incident. Evidence related to the crime, including stolen jewelry from the victim, was discovered in his motel room. Although he admitted involvement in the abduction and shooting post-arrest, he has pleaded not guilty in court proceedings.
Arnaez-Gutierrez was captured last week during a routine traffic stop by police in Mercer Island and is set to be arraigned soon. Aspects of the crime point to the possible involvement of an organized criminal group, noted by the investigators due to the methodical and heinous nature of the attack, suggesting potential links to Tren de Aragua.
Both suspects are currently held on $1 million bail each, reflecting the severity of the charges against them due to the perceived threat to public safety. The investigation continues as authorities are still looking for a third suspect, known only as “Daniel,” in connection to the case. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about the reach and influence of international criminal organizations.