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Girl Held Captive in Desert Tent for Months
30 May
Summary
- Teen held in a desert tent for nearly four months.
- Accused boyfriend allegedly used threats and physical violence.
- Victim escaped and sought help from a neighbor.
An 18-year-old man, Diego Eduardo Marroquin-Lopez, was arrested on May 25, 2026, on charges including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and sexual assault of his 17-year-old girlfriend. The victim was allegedly held against her will in a tent in the desert near Vail, Arizona, from February 3, 2026, to May 25, 2026.
Marroquin-Lopez reportedly moved the tent away from his parents' house, isolating the victim and denying her access to a phone or school. He is accused of controlling her contact with her mother and sexually assaulting her multiple times, despite her objections. The victim also reported instances of physical abuse, including being choked and dragged by her hair.
During her captivity, the victim endured severe threats, including instances where Marroquin-Lopez allegedly pointed a handgun at her and described ways he would kill her. She eventually escaped on May 25, 2026, and sought help from a neighbor, leading to the subsequent arrest of Marroquin-Lopez.
Authorities located the tent and items belonging to the victim. Marroquin-Lopez initially denied the allegations but was apprehended by the Pima County Sheriff's Office using air assets in a rural area without incident.
