By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Police: Men beat, terrorized, held woman captive for nine days
59320a.jpg
59320a
Two men face charges that they brutally beat, terrorized and held a pregnant woman captive in a Ceres home for nine days.

The 18-year-old woman - the girlfriend of one of the suspects - was held against her will at 1757 Richland Avenue from Jan. 27 until Feb. 4, police Sgt. Jose Berber said.

Detectives say the victim, who was 12 weeks pregnant, was finally released on Feb. 4 because the physical wounds she suffered in the Jan. 27 attack had healed over time.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7 police arrested Richard Garibay, 21, of Ceres, who is accused of beating his girlfriend after finding a message on her cell phone that upset him. During the initial assault, Garibay struck the woman in the face and body, police said. He also grabbed a handgun and threatened to shoot her with it.

Police detailed that during the assault, one of Garibay's associates, Armando Osegueda, 20, came into the room. The men then discussed how they were going to dispose of the woman's body, police said. They allegedly bound the victim with tape and zip ties and continued uttering threats to kill her, using a knife at one point, as well as attempting to strangle her. The victim also reported that Garibay continued to threaten her and her family.

The woman told police that she believed both men were under the influence of methamphetamine during the attack.

"Most of the physical assault was via the boyfriend," said Deputy Chief Mike Borges of the Ceres Police Department.

Garibay released the woman on Saturday, Feb. 4 after she asked to be released, police said, because her visible wounds had healed. The woman went to her family who took her to the hospital for treatment of bruises and burns from a cigarette lighter. Police were first contacted about the crimes at 6 p.m.

Borges said that other than initially being tied up, the woman was allowed to freely roam the apartment but said "in her mindset she was not free to leave because of their actions."

Garibay was arrested during a court appearance on an unrelated matter. Garibay is being charged with spousal abuse, false imprisonment, and making terrorist threats.

Detectives obtained a search warrant to search the house to collect evidence. Supported by the Street Crimes Unit, SWAT, and Crisis Negotiations Teams, detectives entered the house at 11:54 a.m. on Feb. 7. They arrested Osegueda, 20, and Jose Osegueda, 35, both of Ceres. Police seized a 5.7-caliber FN handgun, which is capable of firing ammunition that will penetrate body armor, a stolen large screen TV, and methamphetamine. Officers noted that the Oseguedas had attempted to dispose of the drugs.

Evidence of drug sales was taken as well as an undisclosed amount of money.

Armando Osegueda was arrested for terrorist threats, and for being an accessory to the crimes committed by Garibay.

Jose Osegueda was arrested for possession of controlled substances for sale, unlawful possession of a controlled substance while armed, and possession of stolen property.

Ceres Police Department is asking anyone with any information on this case to contact Detective Derek Perry at 538-5730; or the Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers, 1-866-60-CRIME. Persons may also text tips to "274637" with TIP704 included somewhere in the wording of the text.