Mexicans have a long established tradition of kidnapping for ransom...
...just say’en.
I doubt the cartel would want this kind of publicity. They target the kids of multi millionaires that are not public figures. You miss the first deadline they send your kid’s left ear to you in a baggie.
This was not a professional kidnapping. By now, professionals would have provided proof of life, set up the ransom drop, and either been caught or got away.
At least, that’s what I was told.