The FBI says it has located the 10-month-old New Mexico girl who was kidnapped Friday after her mother and another woman were found murdered.
The events that unfolded in Clovis, New Mexico, left an indelible mark on the community and the hearts of all who learned of the devastating tragedy.
At the center of this heartbreaking story is Samantha "Harley" Cisneros, a 23-year-old mother whose life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a shattered family and a desperate search for answers.
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Samantha Cisneros, known as "Harley" by her loved ones, was a vibrant young woman with a zest for life. Born and raised in Texico, a small town just 15 minutes from Clovis, Samantha was a devoted mother to two young children - a 5-year-old daughter and a 10-month-old baby girl, Eleia Maria Torres.
Friends and family described her as a caring, compassionate individual who always put her children first.
On Sunday, May 5th, 2024, Samantha, along with her friend Taryn Allen, also 23, and the two children, made a stop at Twin Cronnie's to pick up food. The group then headed to a Dollar Tree store in the 3900 block of North Prince Street in Clovis before making their way to Ned Houk Park, a scenic outdoor space located about six miles north of the city.
It was at Ned Houk Park that the unthinkable occurred. According to police reports, a witness claimed to have heard gunshots in the area around 4:30 pm.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Samantha Cisneros and Taryn Allen, both with gunshot wounds, lying next to a silver minivan. The 5-year-old child was found with a serious gunshot injury to the head and was immediately transported to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, for emergency medical treatment.
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The most devastating aspect of this tragedy was the disappearance of Samantha's 10-month-old daughter, Eleia Maria Torres. An Amber Alert was swiftly issued, and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, launched a comprehensive search to locate the missing infant.
The investigation into Eleia's disappearance was a collaborative effort between the Clovis Police Department and the FBI. Authorities worked tirelessly, following every lead and exhausting all resources to bring the baby girl home safely.
After hours of intense searching, the FBI announced on Monday that Eleia Maria Torres had been found alive, and a suspect was taken into custody. Details about the suspect and the circumstances surrounding Eleia's recovery were limited, but the news brought a glimmer of hope to a community grappling with the tragedy.
The loss of Samantha Cisneros and Taryn Allen, coupled with the harrowing ordeal surrounding Eleia's disappearance, left a profound impact on the Clovis community. Authorities remained steadfast in their commitment to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.
Police say a suspect is now in custody.
A GoFundMe page was launched by family members for Samantha and the family.
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