4 arrested in Vallejo kidnapping for ransom; Victim still missing

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- Vallejo police say they have arrested four suspects in connection with the kidnapping for ransom of a 57-year-old woman. The victim has not been found.

Police said they first received a report from the victim's 36-year-old son John Babb that his mother, Elvira Babb of Vallejo, was the victim of a kidnaping for ransom on July 1.

John Babb said he received a text message on June 30 from an unknown number, stating that they had his mother. They demanded money and threatened to kill her if he did not comply, or contacted the police.

Police aren't saying how much was demanded, just that it was less than six figures.

That same evening, John Babb went to his mother's home at 101 Daniels Avenue in Vallejo and did not find his mother. Her small dog was found dead inside the home, but there were no signs of forced entry.

Authorities say the victim was last seen by a co-worker who dropped her off after work at Sea Food City Market in Vallejo on June 29 at around 3 p.m.

During the investigation, detectives were able to gather enough information to get an arrest warrant for the primary suspect, who has been identified as Emmanuel Espinoza, 26, of Stockton. Police say he is an acquaintance of the victim.

Espinoza was arrested Friday night in the Sacramento area. Police also arrested Jalon Brown, 32; Larry Young, 23; both of Sacramento; and Lovely Rauzol, 27, of Vallejo. All four suspects were booked into the Solano County Jail on charges of kidnapping for ransom and none of them are cooperating. The whereabouts of the victim are still unknown.

As for a motive, police think it was all about money and they are worried about the victims well being.

Police have been working with Fairfield police, Sacramento police, the FBI and the United States Marshal's office.

The investigation is still ongoing. Police are asking anyone who may have information about this case or the whereabouts of the victim to contact Detective Terry Poyser of the Vallejo Police Department at (707) 648-4080.