Nine Suspects Charged in Aurora Kidnapping Tied to Venezuelan Gang
Aurora, CO – Nine suspects have been formally charged in connection with a disturbing kidnapping and home invasion linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which occurred at The Edge at Lowry Apartments last month, reported the Aurora Police Department on Monday. The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on December 17, stemming from a cellphone video that showed two women engaged in a fight. The victims, whose identities are not disclosed, were targeted for the phone to delete the video, according to Police Chief Todd Chamberlain.
The suspects allegedly broke into the victims’ apartment, where they robbed, assaulted, and demanded banking information. Out of the original 19 individuals detained, three were released, while 16 others were transferred to ICE custody. Police confirmed that at least some of the arrested individuals are associated with Tren de Aragua, though details regarding their gang involvement remain unclear.
The formal charges filed in Arapahoe District Court include second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, second-degree burglary, extortion, and menacing against the nine suspects. Three additional suspects are still at large with arrest warrants issued for them, while seven others in ICE custody are under continued investigation.
The crisis escalated to the point where an Aurora judge approved an emergency order to shut down The Edge at Lowry, citing the December incident and a rise in violent crimes. Chief Chamberlain emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent further criminal activities, asserting that without intervention, living conditions would deteriorate for law-abiding residents.
This incident has intensified discussions on illegal immigration and its association with gang violence in the community. The investigation remains active as Aurora authorities work to restore safety in the neighborhood.
[Denver Gazette contributed to this report.]