American woman, 30, kidnapped in Mexico while walking with her dog is released by her captors after eight months
- American citizen Monica De Leon Barba, 30 was snatched off the street in Jalisco, Mexico in November 2022
- The FBI had offered a $40,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts. She’s now been released by her captors
An American woman who was kidnapped in Mexico while walking her dog has been released by her captors eight months later.
Monica De Leon Barba, 30 was snatched off the street in Jalisco, Mexico in November 2022 – and the FBI announced she was released on July 14 and is now back at home in the Bay Area.
The agency had offered a $40,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
Despite being found safe, no arrests have been made and the investigation into the identity of her captors is ongoing.
Monica De Leon Barba, 30 was snatched off the street in Jalisco, Mexico in November 2022
De Leon Barba was seen in clips walking her dog, named Asa, while wearing a black sweater and pants
De Leon Barba is pictured reunited with her dog, named Asa
In footage from the day she disappeared, a white car can be seen approaching her, but it is unclear what happens.
A dog is seen walking along the road as the car slowly drives off.
De Leon Barba was seen in clips walking her dog, named Asa, while wearing a black sweater and pants.
She’s now been reunited with her family and her pup in San Mateo, California, after eight months in captivity.
Special Agent In Charge Robert Tripp of the FBI San Francisco Field Office said: ‘For the past eight months, FBI personnel in California and Mexico have worked tirelessly with the family and with partners here and in Mexico.
She is pictured (right) having retuned home to San Mateo, California after being kidnapped
In footage from the day she disappeared, a white car can be seen approaching her, but it is unclear what happens
The woman is now home with her family in San Mateo, California
The agency had offered a $40,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts
‘Our relief and joy at the safe return of Monica and Gael is profound.
‘The FBI investigation is far from over, but we can now work this case knowing an innocent victim is reunited with her family.
‘On behalf of the FBI, 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.’
De Leon Barba’s brother Gustavo said in a statement to NBC: ‘We can finally close this chapter in our lives and work on the long road of healing we have ahead.’
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