Man missing in Santa Cruz found beaten in El Torno after two days
A 41-year-old man was found beaten and disoriented in El Torno after going missing in Santa Cruz. His family received messages from alleged abductors and they used his QR code to request money.
Man found with signs of assault in El Torno after two days of searching
A 41-year-old man, identified by the initials E. J. L., was located beaten and disoriented in the municipality of El Torno after two days of searching, according to El Deber. The victim had been reported missing in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and was taken to San Juan de Dios hospital for medical evaluation.
His wife was the one who filed the report with the authorities. According to her account, the man left his home in the Villa Primero de Mayo neighbourhood to attend a meeting and did not return. During the search period, the family received messages from people claiming to be holding him captive and sent an alleged proof of life.
The alleged abductors also used the victim's QR code to request money from family members and acquaintances. So far, no formal ransom demand has been reported nor has the motive for the incident been officially established.
A woman found the man near a street in El Torno after he asked for help. She took him to her home and subsequently informed his family members. "He is very confused, he is in pain and confused, it seems they have beaten him and he does not know me, he does not recognise me," his wife declared, adding that her partner could speak but was unable to identify some people in his surroundings.
The family reported that the man had scratches and minor injuries, in addition to the state of confusion that prompted his referral to the medical centre. Another element incorporated into the investigation is the disappearance of the motorcycle that he regularly used. His wife suspects that the theft of the vehicle could be linked to the attack, although she still does not know what happened during the time her partner was missing.
The Police and Public Ministry began investigations to determine how the man was detained, who was involved in the incident and what happened during those two days. The Diprove unit is also involved in clarifying the disappearance of the motorcycle.
The family awaits that, once recovered and in a condition to make a statement, the man can provide information that will allow those responsible to be identified and the facts to be reconstructed. So far it has not been confirmed who sent the messages to the family members nor has the official motive for the case been established.
Source: El Deber