Where is Marcela Borges today? The Story of Her Life Years After the Shocking Kidnapping

Where is Marcela Borges Today? Her Life Now

Marcela Borges is a Brazilian-American woman who became known for her bravery and strength after surviving a violent kidnapping. At the time of the incident, she was 27 years old, two months pregnant, and living in Winter Garden, Florida, with her husband, Rubens Morais, and their 5-year-old son, Ryan.

Before the tragic event, the family lived a peaceful life in a gated community. Rubens Morais was the president of a trucking company, and Marcela was focused on raising her son and preparing for the arrival of her new baby. Their quiet family life changed overnight in November 2009.

The Night That Changed Everything

The Home Invasion

On November 15, 2009, four masked intruders forced their way into the Borges home. The family was terrified. The gunmen blindfolded Marcela, Rubens, and Ryan. They demanded $200,000 and threatened to kill them if they did not pay.

The attackers were aggressive and cruel. When the family said they did not have that amount of money, the kidnappers continued to threaten them. Marcela, who was pregnant, was forced to withdraw about $23,600 from her bank account. But even after she handed over the money, the kidnappers refused to let them go.

The nightmare continued for three long days. The kidnappers tortured the family and played mind games. Marcela later told police that they played Russian roulette with her son, pretending to shoot him as part of their cruel intimidation.

Marcela Borges’ Brave Escape

On the third day, Marcela realized that her family might not survive. When one of the kidnappers, a woman, took her to the kitchen to get water, Marcela fought back. She grabbed a knife and struggled with the woman, pulling off her mask. That moment gave police the identity of one of the kidnappers later on.

Knowing she had only one chance, Marcela freed her hands, took off her blindfold, and jumped out of a second-story window. She was shot while escaping but did not stop running. Injured and bleeding, she reached a neighbor’s home and begged for help.

Her brave decision saved her husband and son. Police arrived quickly, rescued the family, and rushed them to a hospital. Marcela’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening. She and Rubens both recovered.

The Arrests and the Trials

After Marcela’s escape, investigators began tracking down the suspects. She was able to identify the female kidnapper as Bianca Dos Santos, who was only 21 years old. Police later found that Bianca had learned about the family’s finances through her mother’s tax and financial service business.

Three men were also charged in the case: Oscar Diaz Hernandez, Miguel Diaz Santiz, and Victor Manuel Sanchez. They faced charges of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder.

Victor Sanchez was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Miguel Santiz accepted a plea deal and also received a life sentence. Oscar Diaz Hernandez attempted suicide in jail before his trial and was later released from custody after Marcela dropped the charges against him in 2013.

Bianca Dos Santos, believed to be the ringleader, was never caught and remains at large.

The Long Road to Healing

After the attack, Marcela Borges and her family faced deep emotional wounds. Her son Ryan developed a fear of strangers and could not play outside for years. The trauma left lasting scars, but Marcela was determined to rebuild her family’s life.

Over time, she went back to school. She studied nursing at Valencia College and the University of Central Florida. Her second son, Lucas, was born a few years after the attack, bringing new hope to the family. Marcela once called him their “miracle baby.”

The family now lives a quiet and private life in Florida. They prefer to stay out of the spotlight, focusing on peace and recovery. Marcela rarely speaks publicly about the ordeal, but her story continues to inspire many.

Marcela Borges on Screen

In 2025, Marcela’s story was adapted into a true-crime movie titled Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story. The film stars Dascha Polanco as Marcela, Johnathan Sousa as Rubens Morais, and Alessio Andrada as Ryan.

The movie follows the events of the home invasion, Marcela’s daring escape, and the investigation that followed. Released on Netflix in September 2025, it quickly gained attention from viewers across the United States and Latin America.

For many, watching the movie brought awareness to the courage Marcela showed that day. It reminded people how fast an ordinary life can turn into a struggle for survival.

Where Is Marcela Borges Today?

More than 15 years after the attack, Marcela Borges continues to live in Florida with her husband and two sons. She has built a life of quiet strength and resilience. Friends describe her as kind, family-focused, and deeply grateful for a second chance at life.

She no longer gives interviews but occasionally shares small updates on social media about family life and her work in nursing. Her husband Rubens has also returned to business. Their sons, Ryan and Lucas, are now teenagers who continue to inspire their parents.

Marcela’s story remains one of survival and courage. She turned pain into purpose and built a peaceful life after unimaginable trauma. Her bravery saved her family and continues to give hope to others who face violence and loss.

Lessons from Marcela Borges’ Story

Marcela Borges’ experience teaches powerful lessons about courage, resilience, and the strength of a mother’s love. She acted under extreme fear yet found the will to escape and protect her family.

Her story also highlights how victims of violent crimes can rebuild their lives through faith, support, and determination. Marcela reminds us that healing is possible, even after the darkest times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Marcela Borges?

She is a Brazilian-American woman who survived a violent home invasion and kidnapping in 2009 in Winter Garden, Florida.

2. What happened during the kidnapping?

Four armed intruders held Marcela, her husband, and their son hostage for three days while demanding ransom money.

3. How did Marcela Borges escape?

She bravely fought a female kidnapper, tore off her mask, freed herself, and jumped out of a second-story window while being shot at.

4. What happened to the kidnappers?

Three men were arrested and sentenced to life in prison. The female ringleader, Bianca Dos Santos, remains missing.

5. Where is Marcela Borges today?

She lives a quiet life in Florida with her husband and two sons, working in the medical field and focusing on her family.