James McGonagle: Man Sentenced to 7 Years After Heroic Mother Rescues 5-Year-Old from Attempted Kidnapping in Queens


On July 15, 2021, James McGonagle attempted to kidnap a 5-year-old boy in Richmond Hill, Queens, as reported by the New York Post. 

Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of the child’s mother, Dolores Diaz Lopez, this terrifying ordeal ended without tragedy. 

This true crime story highlights the importance of vigilance and community safety.

The Shocking Incident

The kidnap attempt happened on the evening of July 15, 2021, when Dolores Diaz Lopez was walking her children along Hillside Avenue. 

Surveillance footage captured McGonagle, then 24, leaping from a red Nissan Sentra parked nearby. 

Within seconds, he grabbed 5-year-old Jacob Diaz and tried to shove him into the backseat of his vehicle.  

What McGonagle didn’t anticipate was the extraordinary courage of Jacob’s mother. 

Diaz Lopez immediately ran to the car, reached through the open window, and fought to free her son. 

Even as McGonagle clutched the boy’s legs, Diaz Lopez pulled her child to safety. 

Moments later, McGonagle sped off, leaving behind a shaken family and a community outraged by his actions.

According to the criminal complaint filed, another male passenger identified as McGonagle’s 55-year-old father was in the car during the kidnap attempt. 

However, McGonagle’s father was not involved in the kidnapping and appeared stunned by his son’s actions.  

As noted in police reports, he questioned his son during the kidnap, asking, “What are you doing?” to which McGonagle gave the unsettling reply, “We are taking the kid.”

Following the incident, his photos were released to the public to help apprehend him for the heinous crime.

James McGonagle

How Justice Caught Up: James McGonagle Arrest

Just a few minutes after the incident, McGonagle reportedly punched an innocent bystander at Brookdale Hospital, according to the Daily Mail. 

During the altercation, he sustained facial injuries and sought medical treatment at the hospital in the early hours of July 16th, 2021.

Medical staff recognized him from police appeals and quickly contacted the local police department which tracked him down to Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn.

Investigators also contacted McGonagle's mother, Cassandra (53), who confirmed that both her husband and son were the individuals depicted in surveillance footage related to the attempted abduction. 

Authorities also stated that there is no evidence suggesting the suspects were acquainted with the boy's mother.

Ultimately, James McGonagle was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, according to a press release from the Queens District Attorney

James McGonagle in court (Daily Mail)


Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz commended the bravery of Diaz Lopez and her family while addressing the terror McGonagle inflicted on the community. 

"This defendant needlessly terrorized this child, his family, and the entire community with his reckless behavior," Katz said.  

Justice Gia L. Morris also ordered McGonagle to register as a sex offender upon his release, underscoring the severity of his actions.  

This case underscores the importance of community vigilance and highlights the strength of a mother’s instinct to protect her child. 

As DA Katz stated, “Never underestimate the strength of a mom.”  

Queens, though shaken, can rest easier knowing that criminal justice was served in this case.

Should he have gotten a harsher sentence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 


Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately. 

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.

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