On April 11, 2021, 29-year-old Susana Torres-Salto was last seen in Modesto, California. She was reportedly abducted at approximately 5:30 p.m. outside Richy's Mini Mart located in the 600 block of Butte Avenue. Surveillance footage from the store captured her estranged husband, Javier Chavez, pointing an object at Torres-Salto as she got into a silver 2009 Chevrolet Impala with California license plate number 7RTB273.
Her two sons were also in the vehicle at the time of the abduction but were later dropped off at Chavez's parents' house before he fled.
The relationship between Torres-Salto and Chavez had a history of abuse. Torres-Salto had expressed fear for her own safety and the safety of her two sons. Just days before her disappearance, she had obtained a temporary restraining order against Chavez and had been granted full custody of their 3-year-old son. She was scheduled to appear before a judge on April 12, 2021, to make the restraining order more permanent. At the time of the alleged kidnapping, there was an active warrant for Chavez's arrest on a charge of marital rape, and another warrant was subsequently issued for kidnapping.
The investigation into Torres-Salto's disappearance has been challenging due to a lack of physical evidence. Investigators have expressed concern that after a year without contact, the circumstances are worrying. Law enforcement has considered the possibility that Chavez may have fled with Torres-Salto, potentially to Mexico. Authorities searched a body of water in Southern California where GPS data briefly placed Chavez, but no remains were found. The case's progression is believed to depend on finding and questioning Chavez or a significant witness coming forward.
The family of Susana Torres-Salto has continued to advocate for her and bring awareness to her case. One year after her disappearance, loved ones held a rally, wearing white and carrying signs with her picture, to honor her and seek justice. Her mother, Celia Salto, noted a change in her daughter's demeanor in the months leading up to the kidnapping, stating she became more distant as her relationship with Chavez deteriorated. The family remains hopeful that Torres-Salto is alive and that Chavez will return her. Torres-Salto's older son, who was nine at the time of his mother's disappearance, is in the custody of her cousin, while her younger son lives with his paternal grandparents.Last Seen: Apr 11, 2021
