A US woman who was kidnapped in Mexico in February, was heard desperately begging to be freed in a proof-of-life audio recording sent to her family.
Maria del Carmen Lopez, a 63-year-old US-Mexican dual citizen, was abducted from her home in Pueblo Nuevo, Colima state, on February 9.
Her daughter, Zonia Lopez, tearfully appealed to President Biden and his Mexican counterpart, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, for help in rescuing her mother.
Despite a $20,000 reward being offered for her safe return, the mother of seven, grandmother of 19, and great-grandmother of two remains missing, the NY post reported.
During a news conference in Los Angeles, Zonia Lopez shared that the family had last heard from her mother eight weeks ago when the kidnappers sent them an audio recording as proof of life.
Her daughter said: “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."
She implored them the government to utilize all available resources, both human and technological, to bring an end to the family's agonizing ordeal.
She said: "I beg you, do not let my mother’s voice fade into darkness. Do not let this be another unsolved kidnapping. Bring her home.”
Expressing their concerns, the family claimed that the investigation into the kidnapping has been slow-moving, and there has been a disconnect between US and Mexican authorities in keeping them informed of the latest developments.
Directly addressing her mother's kidnappers, Zonia said: "She deserves to be home with us. Please give her back.”
Maria del Carmen Lopez had previously lived in Southern California before retiring in Colima state, Mexico, around ten years ago.
She regularly travelled between California and Mexico for medical appointments and to visit her children and grandchildren
On the day of her kidnapping, she was gardening at her home when several men in a white van arrived and forcibly took her away.
The family believes that Maria del Carmen Lopez was targeted due to the false impression that she came from wealth, as her children live in the United States.
The kidnappers demanded a significant ransom amount, which the family could not afford.
The FBI has been involved in the investigation and has offered a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Maria del Carmen Lopez's safe return.
She is described as 5'2" and 160 pounds, with blonde hair, brown eyes, and tattooed eyeliner.
Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
The family continues to hope and pray for Maria del Carmen Lopez's safe release, holding onto the belief that she is still alive and waiting to be reunited with her loved ones.
