Federal authorities are on the hunt for a California woman accused of kidnapping her 16-month-old son and fleeing to Mexico. Brigette Benitez, 31, is wanted by the FBI after failing to return her son, Miguel Eduardo Zuniga Medina Jr., to his foster family following an unsupervised visit.
Benitez picked up Miguel in Walnut, California, for a scheduled visit on Feb. 6 but never returned him to his legal guardian. The pair was last seen in a black 2021 Toyota Camry with California license plate 8WAS968.
Charged with international parental kidnapping, Benitez is believed to have taken Miguel to Aguascalientes, Mexico, where his non-custodial father resides. Investigators say Benitez crossed the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego County.
Miguel’s father has a history of violence, leading to the loss of custody for both parents. Anyone with information on Benitez or Miguel’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
