Washington Man On Trial For Attempted Kidnapping

The trial of a Washington man accused of attempted kidnapping to inflict terror or injury and strangulation began Tuesday. Jose Zaragoza, 50 allegedly met with the mother of their shared child in the parking lot of the Giant Eagle in South Strabane Township in May of 2024 to discuss custody issues. Victim testimony from Liliana Escobar described the meeting in the parking lot that escalated when Zaragoza was described as reaching throu gh the window of Escobar’s vehicle to unlock the door. Unable to open the door, Zaragoza was said to reach in and choke Escobar with both hands. The assault continued where he covered her mouth and nose, further preventing her to breathe appropriately. Escobar’s beeping of her car horn brought a stranger for help. At that point Zaragoza fled. The defense, under cross examination, directed the jury’s attention to court documents describing the custody agreement saying that Escobar was in violation with that and that she wanted to meet in the parking lot as a set up. Escobar recorded the incident on her phone saying that her attorney needed stronger proof that Zaragoza may be aggressive in their relationship. The afternoon included a full playing of the recording and witness testimony regarding their help for Escobar. The trial continues on Wednesday.