APD Arrests Five Suspects in Connection to Aggravated Assault/Unlawful Restraint Case 

Case: 25-3030489

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time: 9:09 a.m.

Location: 1700 Bitter Creek Drive

Arrested: Michelle Garcia, Hispanic female, 51 years of age
                Crystal Garcia, Hispanic female, 21 years of age
                Mache Carney, White female, 32 years of age
                Juan Pablo Castro, Hispanic male, 30 years of age
                Maynard Lefevers, White male, 21 years of age

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:09 a.m., Austin Police (APD) officers responded to a Check Welfare Urgent call at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive. The call text reported a woman in distress who appeared to be restrained and calling for help.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found an adult woman outside the home handcuffed to a piece of exercise equipment. The woman showed signs of physical distress and had visible injuries consistent with prolonged restraint. The woman told officers she had been held at the residence for several months and was not allowed to leave. Officers immediately worked to free her and requested assistance from Austin Fire (AFD) and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS). Due to the condition of the restraints, officers were forced to cut through heavy metal links to release her safely. ATCEMS transported the woman to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, where she remains at this time.

While officers were assisting the woman, multiple adults began exiting the residence. Those individuals were detained while officers secured the scene to ensure there were no additional victims or potential threats inside. Three young children were also located at the property. They were safely removed and placed in the care of Child Protective Services for safety and support.

Preliminary information gathered at the scene, including interviews and evidence, indicates that multiple adults living at the residence were involved in restraining and assaulting the victim over a period of time.

Five adults were arrested and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Injury to Elderly or Disabled, and Unlawful Restraint. The arrested individuals are:

Michelle Garcia, Hispanic female, 51 years of age

 Crystal Garcia, Hispanic female, 21 years of age

Mache Carney, White female, 32 years of age

Juan Pablo Castro, Hispanic male, 30 years of age

Maynard Lefevers, White male, 21 years of age

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with any information should contact APD's Human Trafficking unit at 512-974-4786. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.