Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we enter the ring with Juana Barraza, a professional wrestler known as "La Dama del Silencio" (The Lady of Silence) who lived a dark double life as one of Mexico’s most notorious serial killers. Known to the public as "La Mataviejitas" ("The Old Lady Killer"), Barraza was convicted of murdering 16 elderly women, though authorities suspect she may be responsible for between 42 and 48 deaths. We discuss how she utilized her strength as a "ruda" (heel) wrestler to bludgeon or strangle victims after gaining their trust by posing as a government social worker.

We also examine the investigation that was initially complicated by police prejudices; authorities focused their hunt on male suspects or transvestite prostitutes, believing the killer’s profile was too masculine to be a cisgender woman. The episode details her dramatic 2006 arrest fleeing the home of an 82-year-old victim, her confession regarding the resentment toward her mother that fueled her crimes, and her staggering sentence of 759 years. Finally, we look at Barraza's current life at the Santa Martha Acatitla prison, where she works as a gym instructor and sells tacos.