Family pleads for Vallejo woman's safe return

VALLEJO, Calif. (KTVU) The son of a woman believed to have been kidnapped over two weeks ago made a plea to the public for her safe return.

Police say they continue to search for Elvira Babb, who hasn’t been seen in nearly two weeks, but they say they have no solid leads.

The day after she disappeared, her son received a text message and a call demanding money for her return. Two of the suspects accused of kidnapping her appeared in court Monday for the first time.

A handcuffed and shackled 26-year-old Emmanuel Espinosa pleaded not guilty to kidnapping for ransom.
Police say of the four suspects in the case, Espinosa was the one acquainted with the kidnapped woman.
Larry Young is also charged with kidnapping for ransom, but the judge continued his hearing until Tuesday while he finds an attorney.

The bail for both defendants is one million dollars.

"It's very serious. Miss Babb hasn’t been seen in over a week. It is very unusual, she's never done anything like this in the past where she just disappeared," said Solano County prosecutor Karen Jensen.

Those who know the 57-year-old would call her Elvie.

She was last seen June 29th when a coworker dropped her off at a seafood market on Sonoma Boulevard, where employees say she regularly shopped.

The next day Babb's son received a text message demanding ransom for his mother in the amount of $60,000.
Flowers, balloons and best wishes messages sit outside Babb's Vallejo home.

It was inside the home where police had found Babb's dead dog, but no sign of Babb.
Neighbors are concerned for her.

"Seemed like a nice lady. I'd see her outside with her little dogs," said Nancy Golovich.

"How sad that this is going on. Sad for anyone, but especially for more fragile folks, which seems like maybe she was," said neighbor Charlyne Martin.

Police have also arrested Jalon Brown and Lovely Rauzol who are scheduled to be in court on Tuesday.
None of the suspects have helped lead authorities to finding Babb.

"We believe they have the answer," said Jensen.

Police say they are operating as if Babb is still alive.

Neighbors are planning a vigil for her Wednesday night.