NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Brothers Jaden and Gian Zabala faced charges on Tuesday in Miami-Dade County after their brother accused them of a violent kidnapping, records show.
Deputies arrested Jaden Zabala, 22, and Gian Zabala, 24, on Monday over the attack on July 2, according to a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy’s report.
“He was picked up by his brother ... to go to what he believed was their father’s residence,” a deputy wrote, according to the arrest report.
The victim reported it was an ambush involving his brothers and four other men, according to the MDSO deputy’s arrest report.
“He was immediately struck in the back of the head with an AK-47-style rifle and was then physically attacked by all involved parties ... being repeatedly pistol-whipped,” a deputy wrote, according to the report.
The victim said Jaden Zabala stole his cell phone and took him to his home in North Miami Beach, but he refused to open the door, according to the report.
“The group demanded that the victim open the front door so they could search the residence for an item,” a deputy wrote, according to the report.
Miami-Dade corrections booked Jaden and Gian Zabala on Monday night at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Gian Zabala faced four charges: Kidnapping involving a weapon, firearm, or aggravated battery; aggravated battery; attempted burglary of an occupied dwelling; and armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon.
Jaden Zabala faced three charges: Kidnapping involving a weapon, firearm, or aggravated battery; aggravated battery; and attempted burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Local 10 News Assignment Editor Mercedes Cevallos contributed to this report.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
