San Jose Police: Suspect In Infants Kidnapping Was Family Friend

The San Jose Police Department released more details on the kidnapping of infant Brandon Cueller at a Wednesday news conference.

Arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of kidnapping the 3-month-old were Jose Roman Portillo, 28, Yesenia Guadalupe Ramirez, 43, and Baldomeo Sandoval, 37.

The baby was kidnapped on Monday and authorities and the FBI immediately moved to find him and take any suspects into custody.

San Jose police spokesman Sgt. Christian Camarillo said that the suspects were booked on suspicion of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, child abduction and home invasion. Camarillo said it is possible that those potential charges may change as the investigation continues and that there is still a lot of investigative work to be done.

Camarillo said that the Police Department is withholding some information about the abduction so as not to compromise the investigation, but he did say that suspect Ramirez was a friend of the child’s family who police believe communicated with one of the other suspects “to take the baby.”

Camarillo said Ramirez went from being a witness, to a person of interest, to a suspect after it appeared she was withholding information.

Camarillo also said that the image of Portillo walking with a baby carrier was captured as he arrived to the alleged abduction, not after it.

Police said that the mother has been traumatized and needs “space” from reporters and others at this time. The baby “seemed happy and in good spirits” after he was reunited with his mom, police said. The motive is still under investigation.