Couple allegedly posed as Amazon drivers, kidnapped infant, and bound and gagged the mother
02/29/2024 3:59 pm PST
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (TCD) -- A 33-year-old woman and 42-year-old man were arrested after they allegedly traveled from Florida, dressed up as Amazon drivers, and kidnapped a 7-month-old child from a relative’s home.
According to an affidavit cited by the Seattle Times, Marlly Ardila-Urrego told the child’s mother, her relative, that she bought a new bed for the infant and that it would be delivered to her home in Federal Way on Feb. 20. The woman and her family moved into their residence about a week before the kidnapping.
The day of the purported delivery, Ardila-Urrego’s partner, Chun Lai, allegedly went to the woman’s house disguised as an Amazon employee holding a clipboard and box. When the woman opened the door, Lai allegedly punched her in the face several times and bound her ankles and wrists with zip ties. Ardila-Urrego reportedly entered the home and restrained the mother as Lai picked up the baby. He reportedly put the victim in the Amazon box.
The Seattle Times reports Lai alleged forced the mother and a 2-year-old into a bedroom, where he gagged the woman with the child’s clothes.
According to KCPQ-TV, which also cites the affidavit, after the woman managed to free herself from the ties and call 911, she ran outside with the 2-year-old to search for her baby. The woman’s father reportedly told police and the FBI that he suspected Ardila-Urrego played a role in the kidnapping because she was adamant about learning the woman’s new address. They reportedly did not have a close relationship before this.
Prior to the incident, Ardila-Urrego allegedly told family members she wanted to become a surrogate and make $70,000. She also reportedly made comments about having a child and selling it.
Police tracked the couple down driving in a Honda Insight with a Florida license plate registered to Lai.
According to the Seattle Times, a Washington State Patrol trooper pulled Lai and Ardila-Urrego over on the highway about 180 miles from Federal Way. The child was reportedly found inside the car, and the trooper confirmed the girl’s identity by texting a photo to her police.
They were arrested on charges of first-degree kidnapping, robbery, assault and burglary, and are being held with bail set at $750,000.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Phillips reportedly wrote in the charging document, "This case is extraordinarily unusual."
The court documents also reportedly say there was "no evidence that mental illness or substance abuse contributed to this crime."
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