Hollister teen found at U.S. border, questioned on ex-boyfriends’ whereabouts

A 19-year-old woman is back home in Hollister after she was presumed kidnapped for six months by a man accused of killing her friend. The Hollister Police Department said U.S. Border Patrol agents identified Vanessa Flores on Saturday as she crossed the border from Tijuana. Agents called Hollister detectives, who drove to the border to bring Flores back home.

Agents said Flores was walking alone when border agents found her. Hollister police said she had been there for some time and told the agents that she had heard that she was reported missing.

NewsChannel 5 asked Hollister Police Chief Dave Westrick if he believes that Flores was kidnapped by Jose Barajas. He said it’s too early to say and authorities are still investigating.

“With this information we have come this weekend from, Miss Flores, we are one step closer to solving this puzzle and getting Barajas in custody,” Westrick said.

Police are still offering a $25,000 reward for information leading them to Barajas’ arrest and conviction. Barajas is considered armed and dangerous. Flores has been questioned on Barajas’ whereabouts, her ex-boyfriend.

Barajas is accused of shooting and killing 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas in a shooting last Aug. 1. After the shooting, Flores was reportedly taken by Barajas.

“I made a promise to her parents a few days later after the incident that we keep this as a top priority and we have,” said Hollister Police Chief Dave Westrick.

Vanessa Flores had been missing for six months after her ex-boyfriend allegedly shot and killed her friend Ariana Zendejas in a drive by back in august. Hollister police said that Flores had been in Tijuana, Mexico for a while. They believe the suspect Jose Barajas is still there.

“Relieved. I know as a community a lot of people have been praying for her and for her family so i’m hoping the full story comes out. But very relieved that she’s been found,” Hollister resident Darla Hernandez said.

Hernandez works at Mars Hill in Hollister and said members of the Flores family have been customers. He said Flores’ return has gotten plenty of attention on Facebook. But he doesn’t like to see people speculating about exactly what happened.

“Whether she was taken or whether she went on her own will and you know that we have to remember that, that’s a life taken here and that there was wrongdoing. And whether she was involved or not we can’t jump to conclusions,” Hernandez said.

Family members took flowers to Flores’ home on Monday. Family members told NewsChannel 5 that they’re not yet ready to talk with the media at this point.

“You guys need to leave. No one wants to talk to you guys,” Flores’ sister said.

But NewsChannel 5 did speak with neighbor, Pat Starling, who didn’t know that the story of the missing teen hit so close to home.

“I didn’t know, had no idea. You told me she was found and is safe and we’re thrilled to death to hear that,” Starling said.

Westrick said police haven’t charged Flores with anything, but the investigation is ongoing.

“Part of the community is very happy. The other part of the community is asking questions on if she had any involvement. All of these things have to be vetted through our investigation still,” Westrick said.