Three Arrested in Brownsville for Kidnapping and Torturing Victims Linked to Drug Theft Accusations

On December 9, 2024, Brownsville Police arrested Cris Angel Aguilar, 17, Kristopher Alexander Lerma, 20, and Gilberto Moises Cancino, 55, in connection to an aggravated kidnapping and assault case. The suspects face two counts of Aggravated Kidnapping Causing Bodily Injury (1st Degree Felony) and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2nd Degree Felony).

The case began on December 3, 2024, when Brownsville Police Patrol Officers responded to a trespassing call at the 200 block of Ash Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims who appeared to have been severely beaten and tortured. The victims reported being kidnapped and held captive for several days at a residence in the 200 block of Shary Avenue.

The victims stated the kidnapping stemmed from accusations that they had stolen drugs from the suspects. Investigators determined that the victims and suspects were acquaintances, and the incident was isolated.

Both victims were transported to the hospital for medical treatment due to the severity of their injuries. After a thorough investigation, Brownsville Police Criminal Investigators secured arrest warrants for Aguilar, Lerma, and Cancino. The suspects were taken into custody without incident.

Bonds were set at $400,000 for Aguilar and $650,000 each for Cancino and Lerma.