Family Says Dangriga Man Kidnapped, Ransom Calls Linked to Mexican Number

The family of Jericho Humes, a father of three from Dangriga Town, now believes he has been kidnapped after receiving ransom calls demanding money for his release.

Humes was last seen on Wednesday morning before he left for work. Days later, relatives found his home ransacked with windows broken, a door forced open, clothes scattered, and a pot of rice left untouched until it spoiled. One of his caps was also discovered partially burnt.

His niece, Clarissa Torres, spoke to News Five by phone in a state of distress, her voice breaking repeatedly throughout the interview. During the conversation, Torres received multiple incoming calls from the individuals she believes are holding her uncle, each time stepping away briefly before returning, shaken.

Torres informed that the kidnappers have been demanding $10,000 for Humes’ safe return, and only communicating in Spanish from what appeared to be a Mexican area code. 

She added that the callers refused to allow them to speak directly with Humes. Instead, the family was sent a photo appearing to show him with a knife held to his neck. In a separate incident, they received a video call from a man whose face was concealed behind a white mask and a cap.

“They said if we don’t give the money, they will kill him… and if the police get involved, they’re going to kill him one time,” Torres said through tears. 

When the family attempted to negotiate how the money could be delivered, they were told to transfer it through Western Union as soon as possible. Torres said a family member is now hoping to launch a public fundraiser on Facebook to raise the ransom amount. “I don’t even know where to start. I don’t even know where to move from. It’s just stressful. I don’t even have an appetite to eat or anything,” she said.

“At this moment, we just want to get him back. He is a father of three kids,” Torres said.