Woman Rescued After Allegedly Being Chained to Bed for Two Years by Ex-Husband and His Partner

A woman in North Dakota has been rescued after authorities say she was held captive inside an apartment for approximately two years, chained to a bed and monitored by a security camera. The horrifying situation came to light when a maintenance worker heard cries for help during a routine visit to the property in Fargo.

Police were called to the apartment on November 3, 2026, after the worker reported hearing someone calling for help. When he entered the residence, he allegedly found the woman in a bedroom with a chain secured around her ankle and attached to the bed. Investigators also discovered that a camera was pointed toward her, while the bedroom windows were covered with aluminum foil.

According to court documents, the woman told investigators that her former husband, 40-year-old Arturo Calzada-Becerril, had brought her from Mexico to Fargo in 2024. She alleged that he eventually confined her to the bedroom and prevented her from leaving the apartment. He reportedly brought her food twice a day, while she was forced to use a bucket as a toilet. Police said the woman had visible bruises on her face and body when they found her.

The woman also alleged that Calzada-Becerril and his 41-year-old partner, Erendira Amoles, repeatedly beat and sexually assaulted her during the period of confinement. Investigators said Amoles later told police that she had locked the woman up earlier that day because she feared she might escape. Calzada-Becerril reportedly told authorities that he had confined the woman because he did not want her to run away.

After being freed, the woman was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. Both suspects were arrested and face kidnapping-related and assault charges. Prosecutors have alleged that the pair kept the woman confined partly to obtain immigration status, although the full circumstances and motive remain matters for the legal process. Court records also indicate that both defendants pleaded not guilty to their respective assault charges.

The case has shocked residents of the apartment complex, some of whom said they had no idea a woman was allegedly being held captive nearby. One neighbor said the discovery was frightening because the building had routine security patrols, yet the situation had gone unnoticed. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may be possible. For now, the rescue has brought an end to the woman’s alleged confinement, while the criminal case against the two suspects moves forward.

Source: PEOPLE