Marcel’s enticing offer to Gonzalez provides insight into how he may have convinced Thompson to join them on what Miranda, his stepmother, described as a vacation.
According to Thompson’s family, they believe that he has been used as a political pawn in an international conflict, and that he was deceived into getting involved. Since the coup, the family has not had any direct contact with their son, and they are concerned about his safety, as stated by his stepmother.
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During his campaign for the Congolese Parliament, he made the assertion that he had been imprisoned and subjected to brutal beatings. Subsequently, he went on to release a manifesto outlining his proposals for the reformation of Congo’s security services. He also referred to his movement as a means of mobilizing other emigrants in opposition to the existing Congolese government regime.
“Marcel was quite secretive about his father. It wasn’t until he spent the previous summer in Africa that he truly got to know him,” Gonzalez revealed. “If Marcel had known what he was getting us into, he would have never offered. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most dependable and loyal friends one could ever have.”
Gonzalez, from Herriman, Utah, revealed that he had discussed the financial offer with Marcel through Snapchat in the months leading up to the coup attempt. However, he was taken aback when he found out how the trip actually unfolded.
Marcel had informed Gonzalez that he was hiring a friend to keep him company during his summer abroad, as his father allowed him to do so. Gonzalez shared that Marcel seemed enthusiastic about being able to provide a significant amount of money to a dear friend in need.
Marcel assured them that the Malangas would provide on-the-job training, cover all travel expenses, and offer the opportunity to discover a new part of the world while earning an income. However, he did not disclose any information about his father’s background.
Gonzalez and his mother had no concerns about the safety of the trip, even though the U.S. State Department strongly advises against traveling to Congo. However, he decided not to go when his girlfriend requested him to stay for four months.
Later, he came across private Snapchat videos recorded by Marcel, which depicted Thompson appearing scared while being surrounded by armed Congolese soldiers. In their last Snapchat conversation before being captured, Gonzalez inquired about Thompson’s well-being and implored them to prioritize their safety.
Marcel gave him reassurance that they indeed were.
Luke Barbee and Jaden Lalor, former football teammates of Marcel, were perplexed by the various pitches they had heard about the trip. They couldn’t understand why Marcel seemed so desperate to have someone accompany him. Both Luke and Jaden couldn’t imagine their friends being involved in a violent attack.
Lalor expressed his deep bond with Marcel, calling him a brother, and referred to Tyler as a friend. He strongly believed that Marcel’s father must have coerced them due to his personal desires. Lalor’s utmost priority was the safe return of both Marcel and Tyler.
