‘I’m going to burn the tattoo off’: Man kidnapped from Margaritaville and brutally tortured with blowtorch, faked seizure to get away, feds say
A shocking federal kidnapping case out of South Florida has led to the arrest of six young men accused of abducting two victims from a Margaritaville resort parking garage, torturing one of them with a blowtorch, threatening to murder their families, and attempting to extort money. According to federal authorities, one victim ultimately survived by pretending to suffer a seizure, causing the kidnappers to panic and abandon him on the side of a road.
The suspects — ranging in age from 18 to 21 — are facing federal charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Investigators say the crime involved firearms, physical assaults, robbery, extortion, threats of murder, and torture.
The Men Accused in the Kidnapping
Federal authorities identified the six defendants as:
- Saul Fajardo, 19
- Justin Phihoang Le, 20
- Amari Hill, 21
- Anthony Hernandez, 18
- Weilen Hernandez, 20
- Marikevies McNichols, 19
All six were taken into custody and booked into the Broward County jail system while federal proceedings moved forward. Investigators also referenced the involvement of a 17-year-old girl, although court documents did not immediately clarify whether she had been charged.
How the Alleged Plot Began
Meeting at Hollywood Beach
According to federal investigators, the events began on the night of May 26, 2026, in Hollywood, Florida.
One of the suspects, Saul Fajardo, allegedly persuaded two victims and a witness to meet him near Hollywood Beach. Authorities say Fajardo was known to some of those involved and convinced them to accompany him to the parking garage of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The group allegedly agreed after being invited to smoke marijuana inside Fajardo’s vehicle.
Ambush in the Parking Garage
While the victims were at Fajardo’s vehicle on the fourth floor of the parking structure, another vehicle reportedly pulled up.
Federal investigators say four armed men wearing masks and latex gloves emerged from the second vehicle. The first victim later identified several of the suspects despite the disguises.
Authorities allege that Amari Hill immediately attacked one of the victims, slamming him onto the hood of a car, pistol-whipping him, and striking him repeatedly. During the assault, Fajardo allegedly shouted, “Chill, not on my car.”
Victims Forced Into Separate Vehicles
Threats of Murder
Investigators say the kidnappers forced the victims into separate vehicles at gunpoint.
One victim was placed in a Hyundai while the other was forced into a Honda Accord. During the drive, Justin Le allegedly threatened the first victim repeatedly, warning:
“If you try to get out, I’m going to end your life.”
He also allegedly threatened to kill the victim’s family.
Extortion Attempts
As the vehicles traveled away from Hollywood Beach, Le allegedly demanded money from the victim.
Federal documents state that the victim was ordered to contact friends and acquaintances and ask them for money in exchange for his release. Investigators say Le warned:
“If I don’t get my money, every 10 minutes I’m going to take one of your fingernails.”
The victim reportedly noticed a pair of pliers inside the vehicle and believed the kidnappers intended to carry out the threat. One victim was allegedly forced to transfer approximately $400 through Zelle while being held captive.
The Trip to a Remote Area Known as “The Spot”
Taken to a Desolate Location
After a drive lasting roughly 25 to 30 minutes, investigators say the victims were brought to a remote area near U.S. 27 in western Broward County.
The location was allegedly known among those involved as “The Spot” and was later identified through GPS data as the West Broward Boat Ramp area.
Ordered to Kneel and Strip
Once there, both victims were reportedly forced from the vehicles at gunpoint.
Federal authorities say the victims were ordered to kneel and strip down to their underwear while the suspects continued demanding money and threatening violence.
Blowtorch Torture Allegations
Tattoo Targeted
One victim had a racing-flags tattoo, which allegedly became the focus of the torture.
Investigators say Amari Hill exposed the tattoo while Justin Le produced a blowtorch. The victim reportedly had a cloth forced into his mouth as the suspects held him down.
“I’m Going to Burn the Tattoo Off of You”
According to the federal complaint, Le pressed the lit blowtorch against the victim and declared:
“I’m gonna burn the tattoo off of you. You don’t deserve to have it.”
Authorities say he continued by threatening:
“I’m going to torture you.”
He also allegedly warned the victim:
“I will kill your family if you go to the police. We are not done.”
The victim suffered burn injuries from the attack and later received medical treatment.
Gunfire During the Ordeal
Suspects Attempted to Show They Were Serious
Federal investigators allege that the violence escalated further while the victims were held captive.
At one point, Hill allegedly fired a gunshot into the air while speaking to someone over the phone or video call. Authorities say the shot was intended to convince others that the kidnappers were serious about their threats and demands for money.
Investigators also allege the victims were robbed of phones, jewelry, clothing, and other belongings during the ordeal.
Why One Victim Was Released
Ankle Monitor Causes Panic
One of the victims was reportedly wearing an ankle monitor.
According to investigators, the kidnappers became concerned that the monitoring device could reveal their location to law enforcement. Fearing they could be tracked, they allegedly released that victim. The victim later made his way to safety and contacted relatives.
The Seizure That Saved a Life
Victim Feared He Was About to Be Killed
The first victim remained in captivity after the second victim was released.
Investigators say he observed the suspects burning evidence and became convinced he was about to be murdered. Desperate to survive, he devised an unusual escape plan.
Pretending to Have a Medical Emergency
Federal authorities say the victim suddenly began faking a seizure.
The ruse worked.
The kidnappers reportedly panicked, repeatedly checking his pulse and worrying that he might die while in their custody. They loaded him into a vehicle and drove around for roughly ten minutes while monitoring him.
Dumped on the Side of the Road
Eventually, one of the kidnappers allegedly became so alarmed that the group threw the victim out of the vehicle and abandoned him.
The victim remained motionless and pretended to be dead until the kidnappers drove away. Once he believed he was safe, he walked toward a nearby residential area.
Rescue and Medical Treatment
Victim Finds Help
The victim eventually encountered two people walking in a neighborhood and asked them to call 911.
Emergency responders transported him to a hospital where doctors treated multiple injuries. According to investigators, he suffered a head laceration from the pistol-whipping attack that required staples as well as burns caused by the blowtorch.
Investigation Leads to Arrests
Surveillance Video and Evidence
Authorities say surveillance footage, witness statements, GPS data, text messages, and physical evidence helped connect the suspects to the crime.
Investigators reportedly recovered burned clothing and other items belonging to the victims at the remote location. Text messages allegedly showed attempts to minimize involvement and discussions about deleting evidence after the kidnapping.
Suspects Identified
The victims were able to identify several of the alleged kidnappers, and investigators ultimately linked all six defendants to the operation. Law enforcement arrested the suspects over several days beginning in early June.
Federal Charges and Court Proceedings
All six defendants were charged federally with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Court records indicate they were held without bond while awaiting further proceedings in federal court in Fort Lauderdale.
The case drew widespread attention because of the alleged brutality of the attack, the use of a blowtorch to burn a victim’s tattoo, the threats made against family members, and the victim’s extraordinary escape after convincing his captors he was suffering a seizure. Federal prosecutors continue to pursue the case as it moves through the court system.
