‘Dateline NBC’: Where are Raul Julio Escobar Poblete and Ricardo Palma Salamanca now? Suspects of 2007 kidnapping linked with Mexican thugs
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the chilling case of Eduardo Valseca's 2007 kidnapping, the real perpetrators were never caught, leaving the mystery unsolved and justice unserved. Among the suspects were Raul Julio Escobar Poblete and Ricardo Palma Salamanca, notorious criminals arrested for numerous other crimes.
These two were rumored to be linked to Valseca's abduction but were never officially charged. Both men are currently serving 60-year prison sentences for their involvement in various violent acts. Despite their arrests, the true identities of Eduardo Valseca's kidnappers remain unknown, which is still frustrating for the Valseca family, who had to go through a tough time with no justice. 'Dateline NBC' sheds light on this case again, as more chilling details and unknown facts get featured in its upcoming episode.
Who are Raul Julio Escobar Poblete and Ricardo Palma Salamanca?
Raul Julio Escobar Poblete and Ricardo Palma Salamanca are former members of the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front (FPMR), a Chilean left-wing guerrilla group active during the late 20th century, particularly against the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Escobar Poblete, known as "Comandante Emilio", was a key figure in the FPMR and involved in kidnappings and attacks against the Pinochet regime.
After the dictatorship ended, he moved to Mexico, where he continued his criminal activities, including the kidnapping of Eduardo Valseca in 2007. He was captured in Mexico in 2017, revealing his extensive involvement in organized crime. Ricardo Palma Salamanca, known as "El Negro", was also included in several high-profile assassinations.
Raul Julio Escobar Poblete and Ricardo Palma Salamanca said to be falsely linked to Eduardo Valseca kidnapping
Raul Julio Escobar Poblete and Ricardo Palma Salamanca were suggested as potential suspects in Eduardo Valseca's kidnapping due to their criminal backgrounds and involvement in organized crime. However, there was no solid evidence directly linking them to the crime.
Despite extensive investigations, the real kidnappers of Eduardo Valseca were never caught. The authorities could not gather enough concrete evidence to bring anyone to justice. This lack of evidence left the case unresolved, and the true perpetrators remained unidentified and unpunished. Eduardo and his family never saw justice for the traumatic ordeal they endured.
Who kidnapped Eduardo Valseca?
Eduardo Valseca was kidnapped by a group of armed men in Mexico. The exact identities of the kidnappers remain unknown, but the incident occurred after Eduardo and his wife Jayne dropped their children off at school. The kidnappers ambushed their vehicle, forcibly removing them and taking Eduardo to an undisclosed location.
Throughout his seven-month captivity, Eduardo was kept in harsh conditions, beaten, and starved. Despite efforts from authorities and federal police, the kidnappers were never definitively identified or charged. Suspicion fell on a man linked to another kidnapping and who had once been a trustee at the school the Valsecas founded, but no conclusive evidence has linked him to Eduardo's case.
Where is Eduardo Valseca and his family now?
Eduardo Valseca and his family now live in a suburb of Washington, DC. Sadly, Eduardo's wife, Jayne, passed away from breast cancer four years after his kidnapping ordeal.
Despite the trauma they experienced, Eduardo is determined not to let the kidnapping define his future. He continues to focus on moving forward and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.