Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Kidnappings at San Diego Mall

Rene Lujan pleaded guilty to grabbing two young girls at Westfield Mission Valley mall in 2024.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:23am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, worn stuffed animal against a pitch-black background, its features harshly illuminated by a direct camera flash, conveying a sense of isolation, vulnerability, and the gravity of the attempted kidnappings that occurred.A chilling reminder of the vulnerability of young children in public spaces, as a recent spate of attempted kidnappings at a San Diego mall shakes the community.San Diego Today

A 44-year-old man, Rene Arturo Lujan Jr., was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for attempting to kidnap two young girls, ages 5 and 6, at the Westfield Mission Valley mall in San Diego in June 2024. Lujan pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and possession of child sexual abuse material charges.

Why it matters

The attempted kidnappings at a busy public mall raised serious concerns about public safety, especially for families with young children. The case also highlighted the need for stronger measures to address mental health issues that may contribute to such crimes.

The details

Lujan first grabbed a 6-year-old girl who was pushing a stroller on June 18, 2024, carrying her a few feet before she started screaming and he released her. Two days later, he tried to abduct a 5-year-old girl and put her in his car, but an employee intervened. Police were able to locate and arrest Lujan later that day based on his vehicle's license plate. A search of his electronic devices revealed he had been viewing child sexual abuse material and searching online about kidnapping, murder, and torture.

  • On June 18, 2024, Lujan grabbed a 6-year-old girl at the mall.
  • On June 20, 2024, Lujan attempted to kidnap a 5-year-old girl at the mall.
  • Lujan was arrested later that day on eastbound State Route 94.

The players

Rene Arturo Lujan Jr.

A 44-year-old man who pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and possession of child sexual abuse material charges for the 2024 incidents at the Westfield Mission Valley mall.

Eva Kilamyan

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case against Lujan.

Kristen Haden

Lujan's defense attorney, who argued for a shorter prison sentence citing his mental health issues.

Judge Marian Gaston

The Superior Court judge who sentenced Lujan to 10 years in prison, taking into account his mental health issues.

Amanda Hartwell

The mother of the 5-year-old girl who Lujan attempted to kidnap on June 20, 2024.

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What they’re saying

“It's very scary to think about what he would have done if he was successful in his kidnappings.”

— Eva Kilamyan, Deputy District Attorney

“Whatever he had planned, I have a tough time assuming he was ever going to let her come home.”

— Amanda Hartwell, Mother of 5-year-old victim

“I immediately knew something was wrong, so I ran out the door, and I grabbed her from him, and he just dipped.”

— Jazmine, Employee at Inflatable World

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rene Lujan to be released on parole after serving a portion of his 10-year sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger measures to address mental health issues that may contribute to violent crimes, as well as the ongoing challenges of protecting children in public spaces. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenders from committing such acts.