A maintenance worker’s decision to report muffled cries for help led police to rescue a woman who investigators say had been chained to a bed and held captive for nearly two years inside a Fargo, North Dakota , apartment. Authorities arrested two suspects after the woman alleged she was repeatedly beaten and sexually assaulted while being confined to a bedroom.
Both were arrested and booked into the Cass County Jail on kidnapping and assault-related charges. Building management had called 911 after a maintenance worker reported hearing screams coming from inside the apartment. Investigators identified the suspects as Arturo Calzada Becerril, 40, and Erendira Amoles, 41.
Police said the woman was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. Officers responding to a Fargo apartment complex on Tuesday found the woman chained to a bedframe by a heavy chain and padlock around her right ankle, according to court documents cited by Valley News Live. They appeared in court on Friday for arraignment, according to local reports.
Victim alleges years of captivity and abuse
Speaking through a translation application, she alleged that he confined her to the apartment for nearly two years. Investigators also found windows covered with aluminium foil. Investigators also documented the restraint system inside the apartment. Court documents describe chains secured to the bedframe with bolts, washers and Master Lock padlocks. Prosecutors alleged the suspects kept the woman captive to help obtain immigration benefits.
Court records state that the victim told investigators she was brought from Mexico to the United States in 2024 by her former husband, Calzada Becerril.
Police said the bedroom contained a surveillance camera aimed directly at the bed. She was fed only twice a day and forced to use a bucket as a toilet while she remained chained to the bed, according to the victim’s statement. Officers said foam padding had been wrapped around parts of the chain attached to the headboard. Authorities said the victim is an American citizen.
