Suspects Plead Not Guilty to Charges in Lubbock Kidnapping Case

Federal charges now surround three individuals accused in a January 2024 kidnapping-for-ransom scheme in Lubbock. Indicted on counts of Conspiracy to Commit kidnapping, kidnapping, and possession and brandishing of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence are Jaydee Diaz, 20, Jamarquit Kelly, 18, and Ryan Scott, 19.

Following returns of federal indictments in June, the accused were arraigned on Monday in U.S. magistrate court. Every entered a not guilty plea; court records indicate that March will be the trial date.

The charges result from an investigation by the Lubbock Police Department starting on January 29 when officials responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. to claims of an aggravated kidnapping at a house located in the 3500 block of East Colgate Street.

Police said the suspects broke into the house carrying weapons, aiming to kidnap a woman and her boyfriend. Then, the men kidnapped the woman with the idea of holding her for money. The woman did, however, manage to flee her kidnappers and notify authorities from the site.

While federal prosecutors get ready for the forthcoming trial, specifics of the case are still under investigation. Should they be found guilty, the defendants might suffer harsh fines, including extended jail terms for the claimed violent offenses.

The case emphasizes continuous law enforcement efforts to handle major violent crimes involving weapons and guarantee community safety.

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