Five individuals have been apprehended in Austin, Texas, following the discovery of a woman who had allegedly been held captive, tortured, and starved in the backyard of a residential property. The Austin Police Department responded to a distress call on the morning of October 30, which led them to a woman who was reportedly half-naked, severely injured, and chained to a piece of exercise equipment in the backyard of a south Austin home.
Upon arrival, officers found the woman in a state of extreme physical distress, with injuries indicative of prolonged restraint. The severity of her restraints necessitated the intervention of the Austin Fire Department, who used specialized equipment to free her.
As the rescue operation was underway, five adults attempted to escape from the house but were promptly apprehended. Two minors were also found in the residence and have since been placed under the care 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 believed to have held the victim captive for an extended period. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly had a prior friendship with Michelle Garcia. However, the relationship soured, and the group allegedly decided to keep her captive.
The victim’s ordeal included being forced to live outdoors for weeks, being beaten when she attempted 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.