Authorities have detained three people connected to the Tren de Aragua gang, accused of kidnapping and killing a man from Texas. Nilzult Petit, aged 33, was found in Irving, Texas, with a fatal gunshot wound to the head on 24 August. Petit’s body was discovered by police, who also found two young children, believed to be related to Petit, wandering near the IH-35E highway service road.
The children were reportedly left on the road after Petit’s alleged execution by suspects tied to the Tren de Aragua gang. Documents indicate that officials in Aurora were aware of the gang’s activities over a year ago.
According to a police statement, four Venezuelan nationals allegedly kidnapped Petit and the two children, taking them to an apartment in Farmers Branch, Texas. Investigations suggest the suspects executed Petit before abandoning the children on a service road nearby.
Farmers Branch police have identified and arrested three suspects: Ehiker Alexander Morales Mendoza, 38, Carlos Luis Zambrano Bolivar, 25, and Jhonata Nahin Toro Gonzalez, 22. They face charges of capital murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Jhonny Jesus Martinez Serrano, 29, who remains at large.
Police revealed Petit was allegedly involved with the suspects in an ATM theft operation. When he reportedly failed to pay his accomplices, they retaliated by kidnapping him and the children.
ICE agents in Aurora, Colorado, apprehended Bolivar and Gonzalez, while Mendoza was captured in New Mexico by Homeland Security agents. Aurora has been linked to Tren de Aragua activity since August, following viral footage of the gang overtaking an apartment building.
Tren de Aragua, originally from Venezuela, has expanded its operations to the US, including drug and human trafficking. Farmers Branch police noted that while the suspects and Petit are affiliated with Tren de Aragua, these crimes were not specifically gang-related.
Bolivar, Gonzalez, and Mendoza await extradition from Colorado and New Mexico. Anyone with information on Serrano’s location can contact the Farmers Branch Police Department and remain anonymous.
What Other Media Are Saying
- FOX 4 News reports on the arrests of three Venezuelan gang members in multiple states for the kidnapping and murder of a North Texas man, with children rescued and one suspect still at large.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports that three suspects were arrested in Farmers Branch, Texas, for murder and kidnapping linked to a Venezuelan gang, with a fourth suspect still wanted.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Nilzult Petit?
Nilzult Petit was a 33-year-old man found dead in Irving, Texas, allegedly involved with the Tren de Aragua gang.
What happened to the children found near the highway?
The children, believed related to Petit, were left on the road after his alleged execution by the suspects.
Who are the suspects arrested in connection with Petit’s murder?
Ehiker Alexander Morales Mendoza, Carlos Luis Zambrano Bolivar, and Jhonata Nahin Toro Gonzalez have been arrested.
Is there a suspect still at large?
Yes, authorities are searching for Jhonny Jesus Martinez Serrano, who remains at large.
What is Tren de Aragua known for?
Tren de Aragua is known for drug and human trafficking, originating from Venezuela and expanding to the US.
