El Paso Adoptive Parents Arrested, Accused of Unlawful Restraint and Neglect of Teen Son

Richard Ramirez, 51, and Nora Ramirez, 52, both El Paso residents, have been arrested and charged with Unlawful Restraint of a Child Under 17 Years Old following an investigation into the alleged neglect and confinement of their 15-year-old adoptive son. Each is being held on a $100,000 bond set by Judge Reyes.

El Paso Police Department officers initially responded to a residence in the 12200 block of Tierra Mar Way on June 11, 2025, to conduct a welfare check on the juvenile male. The concern involved allegations that the teen was being neglected and confined by his adoptive parents.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the 15-year-old victim and his adoptive parents, Richard and Nora Ramirez. During the investigation, the juvenile reported that he had been routinely locked in his bedroom for extended periods and was forced to use the restroom within his room. He further stated he was only allowed out for dinner and immediately returned to his room afterward. According to the victim, this pattern of treatment had been ongoing since he was approximately five years old.

Due to the serious nature of the allegations, the case was referred to the Crimes Against Children Unit for further investigation. The ongoing investigation led to the arrests of both Richard and Nora Ramirez, who were subsequently booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility.