NewsWest 9
ODESSA- The FBI has confirmed launching an investigation into the possible kidnappings of an Odessa man and two of his family members in Ojinaga, Mexico.
"We're all devastated. We're kind of shocked. We can't believe it. It's like you're in a movie," Isaiah Chavez said. He's been friends with Barnaby Gabaldon for more than a decade. They met at church.
On Saturday afternoon, 22 year-old Gabaldon, a recent graduate of Odessa College, disappeared in Ojinaga, Mexico. His father, Alfredo Gabaldon, and brother-in-law, David Garcia, are also missing. Those two live in Mexico.
Barnaby Gabaldon and his girlfriend left Odessa on Friday and drove down to Ojinaga for the weekend to visit family. His family says a friend witnessed Gabaldon, his father and brother-in-law being pulled over on the side of the road by Millennium nightclub and taken away by Mexican police officers. The family says law enforcement denies taking these men.
Here at home, everyone's in shock.
"He's been there many times before [and had] no problems. Nothing scary. Nothing's ever happened. I never would have expected a kidnapping or him to be missing," Chavez said.
Barnaby Gabaldon recently started a job at E&A Welding & Oilfield Services, Inc. The company is shaken up. They issued NewsWest 9 this statement:
Friends can't seem to explain why this is happening. Emotions are running high.
Friend, Robert Ornelias tells NewsWest 9, "[I'm] hurt and angry at whoever is doing this and confused and saddened."
On Sunday night, the family told NewsWest 9 the FBI was stepping in. On Monday morning, NewsWest 9 confirmed the Bureau has launched an investigation. The Midland office wouldn't agree to go on camera but said they were heading to the border.
For now, everyone in the Basin in trying to hold onto hope.
