A US woman who was kidnapped in Mexico in February was heard desperately begging to be freed in a proof-of-life audio recording, according to her daughter, who tearfully appealed to President Biden and his Mexican counterpart for help.
Maria del Carmen Lopez, 63, a US-Mexican dual citizen, was dragged from her home in Pueblo Nuevo, Colima state, on Feb. 9.
Nearly four months later, the mom-of-seven, grandmother of 19, and great-grandmother of two remains missing, despite a $20,000 reward being offered for her safe return.
Zonia Lopez, the kidnapped woman’s grown daughter, held a news conference in Los Angeles Wednesday, during which she revealed that the last time the family heard from her mom was eight weeks ago, when the kidnappers sent them a proof-of-life audio recording, reported the station KTLA.
“She is pleading for her life, and she names a few of my brothers and sisters, and she’s saying: ‘Please hurry, act quickly, my children, and give them what they want. My life depends on it,’” the daughter said, adding that she and her siblings have not heard anything from their mom since.
The family believes Lopez is still alive and being held for ransom by what they described as a “fringe Mexican kidnapping organization.”
Speaking through tears, Zonia begged President Biden and Mexican President Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador to join forces and help rescue her mother from captivity.
“Work together to prioritize the rescue and safe return of Mother,” she pleaded. “Use all resources, both human and technological to bring an end to this nightmare that has haunted my family for far too long. I beg you, do not let my mother’s voice fade into darkness. Do not let this be another unsolved kidnapping. Bring her home.”
The missing woman’s children claimed that the investigation into the kidnapping has been slow-moving and that there has been a “disconnect” between the US and Mexican authorities regarding keeping the family apprised of the latest developments.
“We miss her with a pain that defies words,” Zonia said. “I implore you to hear my words, to feel my anguish. I implore you to take immediate action.”
The daughter also addressed her mother’s kidnappers directly, appealing to their humanity.
“We’re hurting for her,” Zonia said. “She deserves to be home with us. Please give her back.”
Maria del Carmen Lopez had lived for some time in Southern California before retiring in Colima state, Mexico, where she has family, about 10 years ago.
The matriarch regularly traveled back and forth from California, however, for medical appointments and to visit her children and grandchildren.
On Feb. 9, she was gardening at her home in Pueblo Nuevo when, according to her family, several men arrived in a white van and took her away.
Daughter Zonia previously told CBS Los Angeles that her mother was overheard telling the men that she would not get into their vehicle.
“Two individuals picked her up and another one came out of the van,” Zonia said. “They had their heads covered and they covered her mouth and that’s when they took her.”
The family believes that she was targeted because her children live in the US, creating the false impression that she comes from wealth.
Son Toni Lopez received the first call from the kidnappers and said that they demanded “a ridiculous amount” of ransom money, according to Fox 11.
“We knew right away we were in trouble because we don’t [have] that type of money,” Toni said.
The FBI has been investigating the kidnapping and in March posted the $20,000 reward for Lopez’s return.
According to her official report, Lopez is 5’2” and 160 pounds with blonde hair, brown eyes, and tattooed eyeliner.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts was urged to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.