Police Seek Help Identifying Person in Kidnapping Investigation

Investigators in Apache Junction, Arizona, are asking the public to help identify a woman and the location shown in an image found on Pedro A. Espinoza Torres’ cellphone. Police say the recording appears to have been made from outside a window on July 18 and shows a young woman playing a board game inside a home. They believe Torres may have other victims and are seeking tips about the setting and any other encounters with him.

The image shows a woman whose dark blonde or light brown hair reaches her shoulders, dressed in jean shorts and a gray tee, on a black shag-style rug. Police described details in the room including light flooring, dark furniture, a rolling cart, a yellow cat-litter container and a clear jug. They have asked people not to identify or speculate about the woman online, and to send information directly to investigators.

Torres, 32, was arrested on September 25. Police say that around 1 a.m. on September 24, he approached an 18-year-old woman arriving home, aimed a firearm at her and made her go to a nearby house. Court documents say he covered her head, restrained her with tape and threatened to kill her. Police say he hit and choked her, sexually assaulted her, held her for several hours and then let her go. She sought medical care.

The woman’s account helped investigators, police said. Apache Junction police Cmdr. Cindy Ewer said she left bloody fingerprints in inconspicuous places and recalled details of the home that matched what officers found. Torres remains jailed and faces charges including kidnapping, aggravated assault, sexual abuse and first-degree burglary. Anyone with information can call Apache Junction police at 480-474-8585 and reference case 260924013.