This is kidnapping for a ransom gone wrong. According to the New York Post, New Mexico teen Anna Bella Dukes is in trouble with the law for her involvement in the murder of a 24-year-old correctional officer named Elias Otero. She has been charged for murder in her role in a ransom scheme that started on Snapchat and ended with the fatal shooting of Otero.
According to reports, the 18-year-old used the Snapchat app to entice a man named Nicolas Otero to meet up with her at Alvarado Park. But when Nicolas Otero showed up, he was ambushed by Anna Bella Dukes and three armed men, one of whom was her boyfriend.
The four-person group proceeded to rob Nicolas Otero of his possessions before taking him to his older brother’s home in hopes of using him as a ransom for cash.
But in an ironic twist of fate, instead of cashing in on an easy payday, they encountered a former corrections officer who threatened to shoot them instead of paying a ransom for his younger brother. Sadly, Elias Otero’s heroic attempt resulted in his murder as he was shot and killed by Anna Bella Dukes’ 17-year-old boyfriend, Adrian Avila.
Although the incident took place in February of last year, Adrian Avila did not turn himself in until last month. While his partner in crime, Anna Bella Dukes, was just apprehended by authorities on Monday. Both teenagers are being charged with murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence.
Dukes is facing charges of murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy. Avila turned himself in last month, KRQE said. He was slapped with the same charges as Dukes.
They all need to go to jail for life. This is insane.
Be very careful on these dating apps, guys, because if something seems off, do not meet up with the women. Never go to a strange residence without letting someone know where you are. If you are truly nervous, give someone the ability to track your phone as well.
Flip to the next page for a news video of the deadly scheme.