Four teenagers in Texas have been charged with first-degree felonies in connection with the alleged kidnapping and violent assault of a former classmate. Authorities describe the incident as a premeditated act stemming from a personal dispute. The suspects, identified as 17-year-olds Jose Rojas-Alvarado, Oscar Armando Santiago-Martinez, Angel Lemus-Perez, and Carlos Roberto Oliva-Villeda, face charges of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon and engaging in organized criminal activity.
According to court records cited by The Houston Chronicle and The Blaze, the incident began when the alleged victim left Del Valle High School with three of the suspects. The victim reportedly believed he was being taken to get food. Instead of proceeding to a restaurant, investigators allege the group transported him to a residence where the fourth suspect was already present. The victim was then brought into a detached garage, where authorities state the group remained for an extended period before the situation escalated into violence.
Court documents detail a prolonged and brutal assault. The teen was allegedly instructed to sit in a chair before being restrained with duct tape. Investigators further allege that one suspect later returned with a firearm, which was pointed at the victim, while others tightened the restraints, preventing any attempt to escape. According to reports from People magazine, the affidavit describes multiple individuals participating in the assault. The victim was allegedly struck repeatedly with various objects, including aluminum bats, belts, and a walking cane, while being held in place.
Prosecutors further allege that a heated cutting tool was used to inflict burns on the victim. Additionally, the victim was reportedly forced to consume alcohol during the incident. The suspects are also accused of threatening additional violence, with claims that a chainsaw and machete were brought into the garage to intimidate the victim, though the chainsaw was reportedly unable to start. Court records state that the group warned the victim not to contact police and allegedly threatened harm against his family if he reported the events.
Following the alleged assault, authorities say the victim was eventually released and dropped off at an unspecified location. The victim subsequently contacted law enforcement, initiating an investigation by the Travis County Sheriff's Office. This investigation included the execution of search warrants and interviews with the suspects. Investigators reported recovering physical evidence that corroborated key elements of the victim's account, including visible injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, such as bruising and marks across multiple parts of the victim’s body. Additional evidence was reportedly recovered from at least one suspect’s residence.
During questioning, several suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the incident. Investigators stated that some acknowledged the group had discussed and planned the confrontation days in advance. Authorities further allege that certain suspects admitted to striking the victim and using a toy firearm during the incident. Law enforcement officials confirmed that these admissions aligned with the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The Del Valle Independent School District confirmed its awareness of the case. District officials stated that the individuals involved were former students and emphasized that the incident occurred off-campus. The school district affirmed its cooperation with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and underscored its commitment to student safety.
Under Texas law, aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon is a first-degree felony that carries a potential sentence ranging from five years to life in prison upon conviction. Some of the suspects have been released on bond, while others remain in custody as court proceedings continue. The case remains under active investigation, with prosecutors continuing to review evidence. Additional court proceedings are expected as authorities continue to build their case, and officials have not ruled out further developments as the investigation progresses.
