LOS ANGELES, CA – The FBI is seeking public assistance in locating a woman and her 16-month-old son who have been reported missing. The woman, identified as 31-year-old Brigette Benitez, is charged with the kidnapping of her biological child, Miguel Eduardo Zuniga Medina Jr., from his foster family in Los Angeles County.
Officials have shared a concern that Benitez may have taken the child to Aguascalientes, Mexico. This suspicion arises from Benitez’s failure to return Medina Jr. to his legal guardian following an unsupervised visit on February 6. The child’s non-custodial father is believed to reside in Aguascalientes.
The mother and son were last spotted driving a black 2021 Toyota Camry bearing the California license plate number 8WAS968. A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Benitez in light of the charges of international parental kidnapping filed against her in U.S. District Court, Los Angeles.
According to an FBI statement, Medina Sr., the non-custodial father, was taken into custody last year following a domestic violence incident. He reportedly has a history of violent behavior around children, which was cited in a Juvenile Dependency Petition filed in Los Angeles County.
Following his arrest, Medina Jr. was placed under the custody of DCFS. In light of the evidence, the Superior Court in Los Angeles County decided to separate Medina Jr. from his parents due to concerns for his health, safety, and well-being. Both parents have been charged in Supreme Court, LA County.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service are investigating the case. The United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles oversees Benitez’s prosecution.
The FBI is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Benitez or her son to get in touch with their local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.