Five individuals have been taken into custody in Austin, Texas, after a woman was discovered in a horrifying state of captivity, allegedly subjected to torture and starvation in the backyard of a residential home. The Austin Police Department responded to an emergency call on the morning of October 30, leading them to a severely injured woman, scantily clad and shackled to a piece of exercise equipment in the backyard of a home in southern Austin.
Upon their arrival, the officers found the woman in a severe state of physical distress, her injuries suggesting she had been restrained for an extended period. The intensity of her restraints required the assistance of the Austin Fire Department, who utilized specialized equipment to liberate her.
While the rescue operation was in progress, five adults attempted to flee the premises but were quickly apprehended. Two minors were also discovered in the home and have since been placed under the protection of Child Protective Services.
The suspects, identified as Michelle Garcia, 51, Crystal Garcia, 21, Mache Carney, 32, Juan Pablo Castro, 30, and Maynard Lefevers, 21, are suspected of keeping the victim captive for a considerable length of time. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly had a previous friendship with Michelle Garcia. However, the relationship deteriorated, and the group allegedly decided to hold her captive.
The victim’s horrific experience included being forced to live outside for weeks, being assaulted when she tried to escape, and being fed only once a day. She was also reportedly shot with a BB gun as a form of punishment and left outside overnight in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Medical examination revealed the extent of her injuries, which included open wounds, severe wrist swelling, tissue loss from her hands and feet, extensive scarring from BB gun pellets, and significant facial trauma. A BB pellet was also found lodged in her right eye.
The suspects have been charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to the elderly or disabled, and unlawful restraint. They are currently being held at the Travis County Jail, with bail set at $305,000 each. Court appearances for the suspects are scheduled for late November and mid-December. The investigation is ongoing.