In November 2009, Marcela Borges experienced a nightmare when armed intruders invaded her home, holding her family hostage for three terrifying days. Her ordeal is now the subject of the Lifetime movie Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story, now streaming on Netflix. This article delves into the true story behind the film, exploring what happened to Marcela and her family, identifying the perpetrators, and revealing where Marcela Borges is today.
This incident brought attention to the importance of security and vigilance in gated communities and the lasting psychological impact of such traumatic events. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to rebuild a life after unimaginable horror. Discover the shocking details and aftermath of this true crime story.
What Happened To Marcela Borges And Her Family?
On November 15, 2009, at 9 a.m., Marcela Borges and her husband, Rubens Laureano Morais, were at their home in Winter Garden, Florida. Borges was watching TV with their five-year-old son, Ryan, while Morais worked in his office. Their lives took a dark turn when the doorbell rang, and Morais and Ryan were met by three masked gunmen, according to The Orlando Sentinel.
One of the gunmen fired a shot at the door, while another grabbed Ryan, pointing a gun at him. The intruders searched the house, finding the family’s safe. They demanded the couple open it and stole $30,000. However, they were far from satisfied and wanted more.
The intruders blindfolded the family and drove them to a house in Apopka, separating them. The following day, the family was brought back to their home, still blindfolded and bound. Marcela was forced to withdraw $23,600 from her bank account.
Marcela told investigators that the intruders threatened to kill her family if she didn’t comply. Even after handing over the money, they demanded more. She later recounted hearing her husband crying and the sound of a gun clicking as one of the intruders, Oscar Diaz-Hernandez, threatened him.
How Did Marcela Borges Escape?
On the third day of captivity, Marcela Borges asked one of the female kidnappers for a drink of water. As the kidnapper led her to the kitchen, Marcela saw an opportunity. She grabbed a kitchen knife and held it to the woman’s throat, demanding she call the police. A struggle ensued, and the kidnapper’s mask came off, revealing her as Bianca Dos Santos.
Dos Santos then told another intruder that they had to kill the family because Marcela had seen her face. She brought Marcela back upstairs and tried to shoot her, but the gun failed to fire. Instead, she beat Marcela with her fists and the gun. Borges was left beaten and alone in her son’s bedroom, hearing the suspects talking in the next room.
Believing her family was about to be murdered, Marcela freed her hands, removed her blindfold, and jumped out of the second-story window. Although shot and injured during her escape, she reached a neighbor’s house and called the police. The gunmen fled before the police arrived to rescue the family and provide medical assistance. Both Marcela and Morais recovered after hospital treatment.
Who Were Marcela Borges’ Abductors?
Marcela Borges’ abductors were identified as Bianca Dos Santos, the group’s ringleader; Oscar Diaz Hernandez; and cousins Miguel Diaz Santiz and Victor Manuel Sanchez. The case revealed a network of individuals involved in this heinous crime.
Victor Manuel Sanchez stood trial in February 2012. Rubens Morais testified about the gunmen playing Russian roulette, pressing a gun against his son’s head and pulling the trigger on an empty chamber. Sanchez was sentenced to life in prison. Miguel Diaz Santiz pleaded no contest to avoid putting the family through another trial and also received a life sentence.
Oscar Diaz Hernandez was scheduled for trial in 2012, but he attempted suicide in jail a few months prior. Although he initially survived, he remained in a vegetative state, leading Marcela Borges to drop the charges against him. He was returned to Honduras to live out his life.
Where Is Bianca Dos Santos?
Bianca Dos Santos remains at large and is believed to have fled the country. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and she is still wanted on attempted murder charges. Investigations revealed that Dos Santos learned about the family’s financial history through her mother’s tax and financial services company, where Morais had his business license prepared.
Where Is Marcela Borges Now?
Marcela Borges and her family continue to reside in Winter Garden, Florida. She and her husband later welcomed their son Lucas, who was the baby she was carrying during the home invasion. In 2013, Marcela shared that Lucas was a healthy and joyful child, calling him their miracle baby.
Marcela returned to school, attending Valencia College’s Nursing School-West Campus and the University of Central Florida. Today, the family maintains a private life and rarely discusses the case on social media. Their involvement in the Lifetime film, Terror Comes Knocking, remains unclear.
Conclusion
The story of Marcela Borges is a testament to courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable terror. Her ability to survive and protect her family is inspiring. Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, the lasting impact of trauma, and the strength of the human spirit.
While the perpetrators faced justice, Bianca Dos Santos remains at large, highlighting the ongoing need for law enforcement to pursue justice relentlessly. Marcela’s story continues to resonate, offering hope and reminding us of the importance of family, strength, and perseverance in the darkest times.
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