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 d ...