Woman Held Captive for Months, 5 Arrested in Texas

On October 30, 2025, police in Austin, Texas responded to a call for a welfare check at a home, where they found a woman handcuffed to a piece of exercise equipment outside the residence. The woman appeared to be in physical distress and had visible injuries consistent with prolonged restraint, including small scars on her body and an apparent pellet injury to her eye.

According to the woman, she had been held captive at the home for several months and was not allowed to leave. Authorities were forced to cut through heavy metal links to free the victim, who was then taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Soon after, five residents of the home were taken into custody. The suspects, identified as Michelle Garcia, 51, Crystal Garcia, 21, Juan Pablo Castro, 30, Mache Carney, 32, and Maynard Lefevers, 21, were all charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to the elderly or disabled, and unlawful restraint. It is unclear if the suspects have entered pleas or retained attorneys.

In addition to the victim, three children who were also inside the house were safely removed and placed in the care of Child Protective Services for their safety and support.