Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The truth is probably somewhere in the middle that we don't know what it is." — Henry Zebrowski
"It's not just COVID anymore. No, it's not. It's also, that's pretty on the nose, the killer of old ladies." — Marcus Parks
"But the problem is, is that Santa Muerte does not let you go, right? Like, if you do enter into an arrangement with Santa Muerte for something, Santa Muerte wants more and more and more and more." — Henry Zebrowski
The episode begins by establishing the persona of the podcast and the hosts, transitioning into a discussion about the "killer of old ladies," Juana Barraza. The narrative quickly pivots to Barraza's background as a Lucha Libre wrestler, "La Dama del Silencio" (The Lady of Silence), and her alleged crimes between 2003 and 2006. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the investigative process in Mexico, highlighting how the murders of elderly women eventually spurred the formation of Mexico's first serial killer task force, contrasting this with the apparent lack of serious investigation into other female homicides. The hosts delve into the cultural significance of the elderly in Mexican society, particularly the "abuelitas," and question why their murders garnered such attention.
The podcast then explores the broader context of serial killing in Mexico, contrasting it with the perceived Americanization of the phenomenon. Experts are cited who suggest that serial killing is seen as an American problem stemming from individualism, while cartel violence is viewed differently due to its perceived "business" motive. The episode examines other historical serial killers in Mexico, such as Francisco Guerrero Perez and Gregorio Cardenas Hernandez, detailing their crimes and peculiar circumstances, including Hernandez's eventual pardon and inspiration for a film. The discussion touches upon the difficulty in discerning truth, with the hosts questioning the official narrative surrounding Barraza's case, particularly in light of a potential interview where she claims innocence.
Later segments scrutinize the evidence against Barraza, highlighting inconsistencies in the police investigation, such as the disparate number of alleged victims and convictions, and the questionable nature of fingerprint evidence. Barraza's difficult childhood, marked by abuse and exploitation, is detailed, alongside her career in Lucha Libre, which provided her with a degree of fame and a persona. The episode concludes by presenting arguments that question Barraza's guilt, suggesting she might have been a scapegoat or an accomplice, and that the motive may have been greed rather than purely psychological rage, given her financial struggles. The hosts emphasize the ambiguity and complexity of the case, leaving the listener to ponder the true nature of the events and the limitations of the justice system.